THERMODYNAMIC CALCULATION OF THE NATURAL GAS PRESSURE REDUCTION IN A TURBOEXPANDER

A mathematical model of natural gas pressure reduction in a multistage turboexpander has been developed using a thermodynamic approach and taking into account the real gas properties. It has been shown that the maximum use of natural gas overpressure energy is provided when the outlet-to-inlet pressure ratio is above the critical value at each stage. The change in the temperature of the natural gas and its technical work in each stage of the turboexpander have been numerically determined. It has been found that the rates of temperature drop and increment in the technical work of natural gas increase from stage to stage of the turboexpander. Comparison of the calculated and experimental values of the performance parameters of the gas turboexpanders shows that they are in good agreement.