Systems Review

Systems are defined as a set of interacting or interdependent equipment and process

elements that work together to deliver a specific process function. Depending on
how a facility is laid out, a process technician may be assigned to an area that has
multiple systems.
For example, Unit A feeds its by-product stream to Unit B, which refines the Unit
A by-product into one or more products for marketing. Hence, Unit A and B are both
interacting and interdependent systems that are part of the whole process facility.
There may also be several systems within a single unit, such as a cooling or refrigeration
system. The coolant is piped from a pump or compressor through various pieces of
equipment to exchange heat and cool the process in that system. Both are interdependent
and interact with one another to achieve the desired process
temperature.
During the Process Technology Systems course, the process technician learns
about key systems within a process facility. Systems discussed include:
Distillation Systemprocess that separates feed stream components by repeated
vaporization and condensation with separate recovery of vapor and liquids. Distillation
systems work well where the boiling points for the separated components
are not too close.
Reactor Systemprocess that chemically alters materials by the application of
heat and pressure, usually in the presence of a specific catalyst that initiates,
speeds, or intensifies the chemical reaction.
Steam Generation Systemprocess that converts high-purity water to highpressure,
high-temperature steam for heating process streams, used as a
motive agent for electrical power generation systems and/or a motive agent for
mechanical drives.
Refrigeration Systemsystem designed for the removal of heat. The system typically
consists of a compressor that circulates a refrigerant through a condenser, an
expansion valve or orifice, and an evaporator. The refrigerant may provide process
cooling or cool a secondary system, such as water. A pump circulates the chilled
water for process cooling.
Water Systemsystem that includes fire water, process water, potable water,
cooling water, demineralized water, and boiler feed water systems, among others.
All of these water systems serve unique purposes within the process and are
equally important to unit and process operation.
Utility Systemssystem that may include nitrogen, steam, plant air, instrument
air, natural gas, compressed gas, and so on. The various utility systems within
the facility are critical to the operating unit and facility. The utility systems
also
include the waste water disposal, process sewer, and flare systems that safely
dispose
of liquid and gaseous wastes in an environmentally sound manner.
The waste water and process sewer systems transfer waste liquids to a treatment
facility (either local or offsite) where water and hydrocarbons (or chemicals) areseparated.
The water is cleaned and distilled for reuse and the recovered process
materials are either stored and processed or disposed of. The flare system
burns hydrocarbons and other flammable materials at a very high temperature to
prevent
their release to the atmosphere.
Relief Valvesafety device designed to open if the pressure of a liquid in a
closed space, such as a vessel or a pipe, exceeds a preset level. Its a system
designed to protect personnel, equipment, and the environment by venting
excess equipment pressure through relief valves. Personnel and the environment
are protected from hazardous releases and equipment is protected from exceeding
design pressure limits.

 Flare Systemdevice to burn unwanted process gasses before they are released
into the atmosphere. Relief valves vent to the flare system, which is designed to
protect site personnel and the environment from exposure to harmful chemicals
or hydrocarbons.
There are many systems within a process facility that are interdependent. Unitspecific
systems training gives the process technician a better understanding of the
interdependency of various systems.