The petrochemical industry is one of the vital and productive industries in the world, which plays an important role in the production of chemical and petrochemical products. In this industry, it is necessary to use different equipment for production processes. In this article, we examine the difference between fixed and rotating equipment in the petrochemical industry.
Fixed equipment in the petrochemical industry
Fixed equipment in the oil and gas industry refers to equipment that is fixed and does not move at the production site. This equipment includes the following:
Towers: Towers are used in the petrochemical industry to carry out separation, distillation, absorption and purification operations. Towers are built vertically and with different heights and are used for chemical and physical processes.
Exchangers: Exchangers are used in the petrochemical industry to perform heat exchange, mass exchange and phase exchange operations. These equipment are made in the form of tubes or plates with a high surface and provide the possibility of heat or mass transfer between two environments.
Tanks: Tanks in the petrochemical industry are used to store raw materials, finished products and chemical solutions. These tanks are made in cylindrical or rectangular shape.
Reactors: Reactors are used to carry out chemical reactions in petrochemical processes. They are able to withstand high pressure and temperature conditions and perform complex chemical reactions.
Heaters and coolers: Heaters and coolers are used to change temperature and heat or cool materials in petrochemical processes.
Filters: Filters are used to separate solids from fluids in petrochemical processes. They are able to remove solid particles and purify fluids.
As vital parts of petrochemical industry facilities, these fixed equipments play a significant role in the production and processing of chemical products.
Rotating equipment in the petrochemical industry
Rotating equipment, unlike fixed equipment in the petrochemical industry, refers to equipment that moves and is used to transfer materials and perform various processes in production units. This equipment includes the following:
Pumps: Pumps are used to transfer fluids in petrochemical units. They are able to create pressure and transport fluids over long distances. Pumps operate in a rotary fashion using rotating mechanisms such as propellers or piston devices.
Compressors: Compressors are used to compress gases in petrochemical units. They are able to increase the pressure of gases and transfer them to other parts of the system. Compressors are a type of rotating equipment that operates using propellers, pistons, or rotors.
Gearboxes: Gearboxes are used to transfer power and movement in petrochemical processes. They are able to withstand harsh conditions and produce the power required for other equipment.
Turbines: Turbines are used to generate electricity in petrochemical processes. They are able to withstand harsh conditions and produce electricity with different power.
The difference between fixed and rotating equipment
Fixed and rotating equipment in the petrochemical industry have important differences that we will mention below:
Movement: The main difference between fixed and rotating equipment is their movement. Fixed equipment is located at the production site and does not move, while rotating equipment has the ability to move and is used to transfer materials and perform various processes.
Use: Fixed equipment is mostly used for processes that require stability and stability. Towers and tanks are examples of fixed equipment used for separation, distillation, storage and purification. On the other hand, rotating equipment such as pumps, compressors, and gearboxes are used to transfer materials, compress gases, and perform dynamic processes.
Structure: Fixed equipment usually has a large and stable structure and is installed at the production site. For example, towers are built with tall, cylindrical structures. On the other hand, rotating equipment is smaller and portable and is installed as a separate unit in the system.
Maintainability: Fixed equipment is generally easier to maintain because it is in a fixed location. On the other hand, rotating equipment requires regular maintenance and more complex repairs due to continuous movement and transfer.
Stability: Stationary equipment is usually more stable than rotating equipment because it is in a fixed location and does not need to be moved. This makes fixed equipment less prone to breakdowns and other problems. On the other hand, rotating equipment is more prone to breakdowns and other problems due to more mechanical movement and use.
Cost: Rotating equipment is usually more expensive than stationary equipment because it requires mechanical, electronic and other complex components to manufacture. Also, maintenance and repair of rotating equipment is also very expensive.
Conclusion
Fixed and rotating equipment in the petrochemical industry both play a vital role in performing various processes. Stationary equipment is used for separation, distillation, storage and purification of materials and due to its high stability and stability, it usually faces less breakdowns and problems. On the other hand, rotating equipments are used to transfer materials, compress gases and perform dynamic processes and provide higher efficiency with their movement facilities.
In general, fixed equipment is suitable for static processes that require high stability. Rotating equipment is suitable for dynamic processes and movement requirements due to its ability to move and perform dynamic activities.
Taking into account the difference between fixed and rotating equipment and the strengths and weaknesses of each category of equipment, optimal use of fixed and rotating equipment is of great importance in the design and optimization of petrochemical industry processes. Also, correct maintenance and repair of these equipments plays an important role in increasing their useful life and improving their performance.
Petrosazeh Beinolmelal Aram Co is the design, installation and commissioning of all types of fixed oil and gas equipment, such as pressurized spherical tanks, atmospheric cylindrical tanks, heat exchangers, condensers, etc. Contact us for expert advice on various types of power plant, refinery and petrochemical equipment.