Selecting and sizing process compressors
- A.K.C. Technology, West Midlands (United Kingdom)
Proper compressor selection and sizing requires understanding the main types of compressors and their operation, using the right mathematical models for sizing both polytropic and adiabatic compressors, and providing for surge control and compressor discharge fluid treatment. There is no single type of compressor that can be adapted to a particular application. The operating conditions, space and weight restrictions must be reviewed before the appropriate compressor is selected. In addition, the type of driver must be selected since its operation and process conditions are interrelated. The different types of compressors can be classified into two basic types: reciprocating and centrifugal. Compressor performance often varies with changes in process conditions. Sometimes performance curves supplied by the manufacturer as discharge pressure and power requirement versus an inlet volumetric flow may not be valid for variations in process conditions. Lapina has provided a technique for obtaining a usable performance curve that is valid for the actual process conditions. The paper describes centrifugal and reciprocating compressors, compressor equations, the polytropic compressor, the adiabatic compressor, efficiency, mechanical losses, multicomponent gas streams, compressor surge control, and compressor fluids treatment.
- OSTI ID:
- 6932682
- Journal Information:
- Hydrocarbon Processing; (United States), Vol. 73:7; ISSN 0018-8190
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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