One concern of owners however is; "What happens if your oil separation system breaks down and a large amount of oil is injected in to the system ?"
Although Tanabe have never encountered this problem during the past 15 years we have come up with an effective solution.
8. Dryer I Filter Systems
In order to achieve the desired pressure dew point of -40 it is necessary to use a desiccant dryer, complete with both pre and after filters. A differential pressure transmitter is fitted across the first pre-filter. If there were a large ingress of oil then the differential pressure across this filter would rise, triggering a signal to close the main butterfly valves within the dryer and shutdown the system. This can be effected within 40 m.sec, thus protecting the dryer and all downstream equipment.
9. Control Systems
The gentlemen from the oil industry brought with them sophisticated computers, with which they control and monitor, not only their own process equipment but also the generation of the utilities (electricity, water and compressed air). For Tanabe this was a new experience. Conventional control devices, such as pressure switches and thermo switches were eliminated. In their place went electronic transducers with analogue transmitters.
To further complicate matters, many of these devices are designed specifically for oil-field application and are available only in explosion-proof enclosures. Although the compressors tend to be installed in non- hazardous areas it is still necessary to equip them with heavy, cast iron, clad accessories.
These signal outputs are continually monitored by the Unified Automation System computers. When the pre-programed value is achieved then theUAS gives an output, causing the machine to: unload / stop / start / sound an alarm / trip. Compressors can be sequenced to automatically equalise running hours and advise when periodic maintenance is due. All such data is stored for retrieval, an invaluable feature in the event of a fault. Not only the compressors but the entire system is interconnected and controlled in this way providing maximum control with minimal crew numbers.
