Pipe supports compressor

Because of the vibration problems ever present with reciprocating compressors, pipe supports have a very important role in piping design. Supports independent of any other foundation or structure are almost mandatory. Pipe systems firmly fastened close to grade are much preferred. 

Pulsation can be problematic ancfdifficult to predict. Pulsations are also dependent on acoustic resonance characteristics. For reciprocating equipment, such as reciprocating compressors and pumps, in some cases, an analog (digital) study needs to be performed to identify the deficiency in the piping and pipe support systems as well as to evaluate the performance ofthe machine during operation. The study will also provide recommendations on how to improve the machine and piping system s performance. 

Piping should easily fit the compressor connections without needing to spring or twist it to fit. It must be supported independently of the compressor and anchored, as necessary, to limit vibration and to prevent expansion strains. Improperly installed piping may distort or pull the compressor s cylinders or casing out of alignment. 

Pipework and other components should be insulated after the safety pressure test, but usually before prolonged running of the plant, since it is very difficult to remove water and frost once it has formed. Only the low-pressure piping is insulated, where it does not form part of the evaporator, i.e. after the expansion valve, where this may be outside the cooled space, and from the evaporator back to the compressor. Basic materials are cork and the expanded plastics. These are sufficiently rigid to be moulded to the correct shape, remain firmly in place, and support the external vapour barrier which is essential to prevent the ingress of water vapour (see also Chapter 15). 

Route piping from compressors or vacuum pumps which are prone to vibrate on supports independent of other process piping and use rests or sliding supports which provide some damping capacity rather than hangers. 

If mist eliminators are used, they must be carefully designed, specified, and supported. Plugging of mist eliminator pads is not an uncommon problem. Occasionally, a dislodged part of a mist eliminator pad is sucked into the compressor rotor or becomes lodged in downstream piping (232, 239). These potential problems should be discussed with the manufacturer. The beneficial effects and the various types of mist eliminators available are extensively described elsewhere (101, 165, 270, 431 33). 

Section 4 provides the pre-conceptual mass estimates for several plant conrigurations. including the one Brayton (1-1-1). 1 of 2 parallel (2-2 2s), 2 of 3 (3-3-3), ar>d 2 of 4 (4-4-4) Brayton system architectures Figure 7-7 shows the results of system mass versus system reliability using mass estimates from Section 4 and using the system reliability values presented above in Table 7-2 and Table 7-3. The system masses include the reactor, shield, instrumentation and control, support structure, turbine, compressor, alternator (collectively called the turboaltemator). recuperator, gas cooler, power conditioning and distribution (PCAO) system, system piping, valves, and the heat rejection system. 

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