Application in Chemical Plants
Application of Inverters in Chemical Plants
Description
The present paper primarily focuses on the extensive utilization of Vekont variable-frequency drive in chemical factories for fans and pumps, while substantiating the stability and significant energy-saving impact of this drive through empirical data.
The current practice in most outdated chemical enterprises involves extensive use of fans and pumps, which unfortunately suffer from age-related inefficiency due to long-term operation. However, as the country's efforts to conserve energy and reduce emissions continue to grow, many enterprises have initiated energy-saving renovations on their aging equipment.
During the energy-saving renovation of a chemical plant in Guangdong, we utilized the Vekont fan and pump inverter to implement energy-saving technology upgrades on a 75kW water pump motor. Based on the production conditions at that time, the calculated energy savings rate reached 30%. Given the prolonged operation of the water pump, its energy-saving impact was highly significant. As a result of this noticeable effect, the adoption of our company's fan and pump inverter was widely promoted throughout the chemical plant, subsequently being installed on various motors with different capacities totaling 1325.8kW.
The statistical results indicate that the average comprehensive energy saving rate is approximately 35%. Based on variations in load and production processes, the energy saving impact of a single 37kW fan, one 95kW air compressor, one 30kW water pump, and one 22kW water pump is more significant, achieving a range of 40-75%. This substantial reduction in energy consumption greatly enhances the enterprise's competitiveness in the product market. Furthermore, by reducing equipment wear and improving operational conditions for operators, maintenance costs have been minimized. It should be noted that when implementing frequency conversion speed adjustment to mechanical equipment, it is crucial to consider specific requirements of the production process and mechanical power configuration. Failure to do so may lead to counterproductive outcomes and hinder normal production operations as well as energy-saving effects.
For instance, in order to ensure that the pressure of a 37kW centrifugal fan meets the requirements of the production process, it is necessary to install a pressure transducer in the duct for closed-loop pressure control with the frequency converter. The pressure transducer detects and sends a 4-20mA current signal of the duct's pressure to the frequency converter, which automatically adjusts motor speed using PID control to stabilize the duct's pressure. The energy-saving calculation for upgrading the wind turbine pump frequency converter indicates that the investment cost can be recovered within six months of operation.
