Compressor types and operation

All compressors have an operating envelope. The size is dependent on the compressor type and the application. If the appropriate design considerations were implemented, then operation within the envelope should be problem-free. The first problem stems from a communication gap. Engi... 

The fundamental characteristics of compression are the same for centrifugal and reciprocating compressors. The manner in which these fundamentals are interpreted must be adapted to the particular machine type and operating characteristics, and this accounts for the difference in design procedures. 

Toyo Engineering-AGES Process. The synthesis section of the ACES process (Fig. 8) consists of a reactor, a stripper, two carbamate condensers, a scmbber and operates at 17.5 MPa (175 bars). The reactor is operated at 190°C with a NH /CO2 ratio of 4.0 (mol/mol). Liquid NH is fed directly into the reactor by a centrifugal ammonia pump. Gaseous CO2 is sent from the centrifugal CO2 compressor to the bottom section of the falling-film type stripper. 

In a V/f control generally, only the frequency is varied to obtain the required speed control. Based on this frequency, the switching logistics of the inverter control circuit control the inverter s output voltage using the PWM technique to maintain the same ratio of V/f. A W/control is, however, not suitable at lower speeds. Their application is limited to fan, pump and compressor-type loads only, where speed regulation need not be accurate, and their low-spccd performance or transient response is not critical and they are also not required to operate at very low speeds. They arc primarily used for soft starts and to conserve energy... 

Check valves are required in the piping system at any point where backflow of gas after a shutdown has the ability to restart the compressor, running it backwards or, for that matter, even in the normal direction. Reverse rotation is totally bad, as many components of the various compressor types are not designed for reverse rotation, and there is some possibility, generally remote, that the compressor could reach a destructive over speed. Forward rotation is bad primarily because the intent was to stop the compressor, and it is now operating out of control. This is a problem, particularly if the shutdown was caused by a compressor failure indication, and the need to stop was to prevent further damage. In this mode, it is unlikely that the compressor can attain an overspeed condition. An application with a high potential for backflow is the parallel operation of two or more compressors. 

Most of the compressors are of the pressure lubricated type and need some sort of lubrication system. For critical service, the API 614 lubrication system should be used. These systems were covered in Chapter 8. Since lubrication systems are key to the reliable compressor operation, a few things important to a reliable lubrication system seem in order. First... 

A compressor must operate within a system that is designed to acquire and compress a gas. These systems must include the following components regardless of compressor type ... 

Load factor is particularly important with air-cooled machines where sustained full-load operation results in an early build-up of deposits on valves and other parts. This build-up increases the frequency of maintenance required to maintain compressor reliability. Intermittent operation is always recommended for these units. The frequency and duration of unloaded operation depends on the type, size, operating pressure of the compressor. Air-cooled compressors for higher than 200-psig-pressure application are usually rated by a rule that states that the compressing time shall not exceed 30 minutes or less than 10 minutes. Shutdown or unloaded time should be at least equal to compression time or 50 per cent. 

In selecting a compressor for this type of operation, the main difficulty is the very large volume of vapour to be handled. Rotary compressors of the Rootes type, described in Volume 1, Chapter 8, are suitable for small and medium size units, though these have not often been applied to large installations. Mechanical compressors have been used extensively in evaporation systems for the purification of sea water. 

When the type of fuel gas has been decided on, and the air supply compressor purchased and installed, it is advisable to become familiar with the burner and its operation. Check tube connections to ensure that they are coixect. Always turn on and light up the gas first, then turn on the air slowly. All changes in gas or air flow should be made slowly at first-there is a possibility that the flame will be blown out by excess air. 

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