44 Questions
What is the principal energy transfer medium that the industry relies on for its process applications?
Steam
Why is heat essential in hydrocarbon processing?
To separate and chemically alter hydrocarbon feedstocks
What is a common thermal processing stage used in various industries mentioned in the text?
Distribution of thermal fluids
What is a source of water for many industrial operations and chemical reactions?
Process steam
What are the typical pressures and temperatures in an ammonia compression refrigeration cycle according to Objective 2?
High pressures and low temperatures
Why do plants in different industries use common equipment configurations for thermal processing stages?
To streamline operations and efficiency
What is one of the advantages of steam as an energy transfer medium?
Low toxicity
How is energy extracted from steam for process heating?
Mechanical work through a turbine
What type of system uses a special heat transfer liquid circulated by a pump through a fired heat exchanger?
Heat transfer fluid (HTF) system
Which temperature range typically favors the use of steam systems over HTF systems?
Below freezing
What is the purpose of a gas turbine in energy conversion industries?
To convert thermal energy into mechanical energy
What is the function of a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) in the generation segment of industrial plants?
To convert liquid water into steam
In which phase does a heat transfer fluid commonly operate?
Liquid phase
What happens to liquid water when it receives thermal energy in a boiler?
It converts to vapor phase
What determines the choice of equipment configurations within the generation section of industrial plants?
The choice of heat conversion medium
What type of system uses compressed hydrocarbons to produce heated gases for thermal energy transfer?
Gas turbine system
What is the function of a superheater in some boilers?
Increase the energy content of the steam
How do combustion air preheaters contribute to reducing energy requirements?
By transferring excess heat to the incoming combustion air
What role do ancillary equipment and controls play in a generating system?
Enhancing process safety
Why is appropriate insulation crucial in surrounding a thermal distribution system?
To reduce the amount of heat lost to the plant's environment
In distribution systems, what is the purpose of steam separators?
Remove water droplets from wet steam
What is the role of steam accumulators in a distribution system?
Allow additional energy in excess steam to be discharged
How do steam traps contribute to steam distribution system efficiencies?
Trap the condensate and release it as steam
What is a common function of isolation valves in a distribution system?
Regulate pressure in different lines
How does a non-condensing turbine contribute to energy extraction?
By extracting energy from high-pressure steam
Why is an efficient condensate return system important in a distribution system?
To minimize need for make-up steam
What is the purpose of a crystallization process?
To separate a crystalline substance from a non-crystalline one
In what type of processes is steam often used to control the pressure of a reaction?
Physical processes
What is the purpose of solvent extraction in a petroleum refinery?
To extract specific compounds like BTX from mixtures based on solubility differences
What is the purpose of the absorption process?
To filter molecules based on their physical size
Which process is commonly used for direct conversion of thermal energy into mechanical action in industrial plants?
Thermo-Mechanical Pulping (TMP)
What is the purpose of stripping towers in industrial processes?
To pull unwanted contaminants from a process fluid using steam
What is the main purpose of pressure regulation using steam in industrial processes?
To control the pressure of a reaction by injecting steam
Which type of processes do not add enough energy to cause chemical changes but can impart energy for physical changes?
Physical processes
What is the aim of an oil refinery using compression/cooling processes?
To cool, stop high-temperature reaction processes using steam quenching
What is the purpose of molecular size reduction in chemical processes?
To convert surplus products into a smaller size that is in demand
In gasoline manufacture, what effect does a more branched product have on the octane number?
Increases the octane number
What is the purpose of the condensate return system in a steam system?
To send the condensate back to the boiler for reuse
What is the main difference between the return process of condensate and heat transfer fluids?
Condensate returns through low-pressure piping, while heat transfer fluids do not return
What is the role of a deaerator in a steam system?
To strip oxygen and non-condensable gases from the condensate
How is energy extraction for preheating combustion air simplified when gas is used as the energy transfer medium?
By extraction of energy using a heat exchanger
What happens to any condensate not returned in a steam system?
It must be replaced by makeup water with additional costs
What is one main advantage of using heat transfer fluids compared to steam in energy intensive industries?
Their return usually involves low-pressure piping
What is the consequence of not recycling post-combustion gases?
Increased water treatment costs
Explore the role of superheaters, economizers, and combustion air preheaters in enhancing heat transfer efficiency in boilers. Learn how these components help increase the energy content of steam and improve overall system performance.
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