Valve pocket losses in reciprocating compressors

Journal Article · Sun Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1989 · Hydrocarbon Processing; (USA)

OSTI ID:5342078

Bauer, F ^[1]

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1. Hoerbiger Ventilwerke AG, Vienna (AU)

Overall flow losses of compressor valves are influenced not only by the valve geometry but also are amplified by valve pocket losses. The result is shown in pocket factor diagrams and the related formulas in this article. With the widespread use of engine and compressor analyzers to evaluate performance and efficiency of compressor cylinders, flow losses to and from the cylinder can be measured. From the inception of using such analyzers a problem persisted. One could measure the energy losses of a complete cylinder from suction to discharge side, segregate suction losses vis-a-vis discharge losses, but one could not identify which share of the loss could be attributed to valves and which reflects pocket losses. Although no simple measurements and instruments are available to do this job, flow losses can be calculated today with the use of computer programs. The computer generated results reflect total flow losses between intake or discharge and the cylinder. Using the combined flow resistance of valve and pocket, instead of the valve alone, renders a much more accurately calculated result versus any measured readings. The results presented here comprise a condensed summary of pocket configurations commonly found in cylinders.

• OSTI ID: 5342078
• Journal Information: Hydrocarbon Processing; (USA), Journal Name: Hydrocarbon Processing; (USA) Vol. 68:10; ISSN HYPRA; ISSN 0018-8190
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
990200 -- Mathematics & Computers
CALCULATION METHODS
COMPRESSORS
COMPUTER CODES
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
ENERGY LOSSES
EQUIPMENT
FLOW REGULATORS
FLUID FLOW
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOMETRY
LOSSES
MATHEMATICS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MINERAL RESOURCES
OIL FIELDS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESOURCES
TESTING
VALVES