Parallel centrifugal gas compressors can be controlled more effectively

Journal Article · Mon Nov 03 00:00:00 EST 1986 · Oil Gas J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7229396

Staroselsky, N; Ladin, L

Energy efficiency of parallel, centrifugal gas compressors can be improved by controlling the compressors to unload simultaneously to their surge limits. Simultaneous unloading to the surge limits can also allow more precise pressure control, provide better compressor protection, and allow simpler automated control systems. Specific power consumption is also offered as an improved definition of energy efficiency. Because polytropic efficiency, the most common efficiency measure, defines only the energy efficiency to compress a gas between the inlet port and the discharge port of a compressor, it does not account for the efficiency of gas delivery to the user. Specific power consumption includes energy costs that must be paid for but which are not accounted for by polytropic efficiency. This first of two articles discusses the concept of simultaneous loading and unloading of centrifugal compressors and compares the method with other control strategies. The concept of specific power consumption is also defined. The conclusion describes an algorithm for simultaneous loading and unloading to the surge limit. The efficiency and reliability of centrifugal compressors can be severely limited by the control system. Less-than-effective controls, rather than mechanical design, is often the cause of lost efficiency, shutdowns, and damage.

• Research Organization: Compressor Controls Corp.
• OSTI ID: 7229396
• Journal Information: Oil Gas J.; (United States), Vol. 84:44
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
PRESSURE CONTROL
NATURAL GAS
PUMPING
TRANSPORT
COMPRESSION
COMPRESSORS
CONTROL THEORY
DAMAGE
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
LOADING
PLANNING
RELIABILITY
SHUTDOWNS
UNLOADING
CONTROL
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
MATERIALS HANDLING
PUMPS
032000* - Natural Gas- Transport
Handling
& Storage