Simulation study of the dynamic performance of a MRC plant with refrigerant charged or leaked

The running condition of a MRC plant is affected by the charge or leakage of the refrigerant. It is significant for the design and operation of the plant. A new model which is established based on the process simulation, mass conservation and characteristics of the system was employed to study the dynamic performance in these cases. The results show that the light composition mainly affects the pressure and the heavy composition affects the liquid level of vessel more obviously. This is due to the fact that the light composition mainly stays in the vapor phase and the heavies stay in the liquid phase mostly. The case when leakages occur at different location was also studied. The results can provide useful information for the adjustment of mixture refrigerant and operation of a MRC plant.

► We established a simulation model of a MRC plant to predict the running composition of MR when charge or leakage occurs.
► We found that the light composition mainly affects the pressure of the system.
► The heavy composition affects the liquid level of vessel obviously.
► The work is useful for the operation of a small-scale MRC plant.