Transient Surge Measurements Of A Centrifugal Compressor Station During Emergency Shutdowns.

Lecturepg. 13-26For every centrifugal compressor installation, the design of the surge control system is vitally important to prevent damage of the compressor internal components, seals, and bearings. While most surge control systems are capable of preventing surge for steady-state operation, emergency shutdowns (ESDs) are particularly challenging, since the surge control system must respond faster than the deceleration rate of the train. The available experimental data are not of sufficient quality and resolution to properly validate current software packages. This paper outlines an experimental test program using a full-scale compressor tested in a hydrocarbon flow loop under controlled, laboratory conditions. Transient compressor surge data during and ESD were captured over a variety of initial speed, pressure, and flow conditions. Furthermore, the anti-surge valve was modified in subsequent tests to simulate a slower and a smaller valve, providing a more varied test condition. Results of the testing and model comparisons will be presented