Continuously controlling the heat content of a partial oxidation unit feed-gas stream

摘要

A process is provided for continuously controlling the hydrocarbon heat content and flow rate of a partial oxidation unit feed-gas stream under conditions where the composition and hence the hydrocarbon heat content of the feed-gas stream is subject to variation. The hydrocarbon heat content of the incoming gases is continuously measured and compared against a design hydrocarbon heat content. An evaluating means calculates whether a moderator is required to decrease the hydrocarbon heat content to the design hydrocarbon heat content or a supplemental high hydrocarbon heat content gas is required to increase the hydrocarbon heat content to the design hydrocarbon heat content. The process utilizes recycle synthesis gas as a moderator. Once the determination is made, the process automatically adjusts flow rates of the recycle synthesis gas stream, the supplemental high hydrocarbon heat content gas stream and the incoming feed-gas stream to provide a partial oxidation unit feed-gas stream with a constant optimum hydrocarbon heat content and flow rate. <IMAGE>