Che:m.

ical Engineering

Compressor Selection for the

Handling gases in process plants ranges from very high pressures to vacuum for many flow conditions. Here is an analysis of equipment characteristics in order

to make a preliminary selection of the most suitable type and size of compressor.

RICHARD F. NEERKEN. The Ralph M. Parsons Co .

The chemical process industries use compressors of air types and sizes for increasing the pressure of air or gases.

In this report, we will provide a general description of all types of compressors, with specific examples to show how preliminary selections may be made by the project engineer. Such selections foUow the basic fundamentals of thermodynamics and should not be considered so difficult or so complicated that only compressor manufacturers can make the initial choice of compressor for given process conditions.

Some typical applications are:

• Air compressors to provide service or instrument air for almost any plant.

• Simple air blowers in sulfur-recovery plants.

• Large air blowers in catalytic-cracking units.

• Low-temperature refrigeration compressors in ethylene, polyethylene or p-xylene units.

• High-pressure feed-gas, booster and recycle-gas compressors in hydrocarbon, ammonia and methanolsynthesis plants

Compressors are either dynamic or positive-displacement types (Fig. I). The dynamic types include radialflow and axial-flow centrifugal machines; and to a limited extent, partial-emission types for low flows. Positive-displacement types exist in two basic categories: reciprocating and. rotary. The reciprocating compressor consists of one or more cylinders, each with a piston or plunger that moves back and forth, displacing a positive volume with each stroke. Rotary compressors include lobe-type, screw-type, vane-type, and liquid-ring type,

ReprlntGd 'rom CHEMICAL ENGINEERING~ Jan. 20, 1975. CopyrIght @ 1975 by McGraw· Hili Inc. 1221 Avenue of th& Americas. New York, N.Y. 10020

Chemical Process Industries

.M~Ltilt~g& .r.'Iulllit8gii -: wit~

, variable' " sti~ci-f "

" vail~$

'.Air~ooi~d ,.Wlitaf- " '/6laiod' ~SlnBllf$l~9B "Mu'tjstil~

• in~'e'~r8t _,;

, jjas.e9i1ina

"t:

·Two·loba ' , IIIThree-lobe .Scr8W(dl)') .Screw ,,',

_' ;, {oMj ~ lid.8dJ: ·Vane'·· , .Liquld.flno

,. _

TYPES of compressors for chemical processes-Fig. 1

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING/JANUARY 20, 1975

each having a casing with one or more rotating elements that either mesh with each other (such as lobes or screws) or thai displace a fixed volume with each rotation.

Operating Conditions

We must have certain information concerning (a) the operating conditions of any compressor and (b) the properties of the air, gas or gas mixture that is to be compressed.

Gas analysis is usually given in percent by volume. A molal analysis can be readily converted into a molpercent analysis for use in determining the properties of the gas mixture. For air compressors, the inlet relative humidity or wet-bulb temperature is required, from which the amount of moisture present in the air can be determined .

The ratio of specific heats, k, where (k ::::: c/c,,), may be given at suction temperature. For a more accurate calculation, k should be at the average temperature during the compression cycle.

Compressibility factors (indicating deviation from an ideal gas) are given or calculated at suction and discharge conditions. For air or a pure gas, charts of compressibility

79

COMPRESSORS ...

,
Gas Analysis, Other Data and Computations for Example 1- Table I
61. MlxllI"e Mulepllir Specific Nell CrlllClI Crlrre.1
WelglII. Conlrlbullon, * II 150°F. cpo Co~lrlllUUOII, • Prell ... e, CClnlrlllUllon, • Temperalure. ConlrlbtltJon, •
CollJlonlnl Mol% M .. %(MJ/IOO BII/[lb-Mol)(G FI %[CJ/IOO Po, Pili %[PeI/IOO Te, OR %(TJ/loo
Hydrogen 85 2.016 1.714 6.94 5.899 327 278 83 71
Methane 9 16.114 1.444 8.95 0.805 673 61 344 31
Ethane 3 30.07 0.902 13.77 0.413 708 21 550 17
PropllIIe 2 44.09 0.882 19.53 0.390 617 12 666 13
IsobulMe 0.5 58.12 0.291 25.75 0.128 529 3 735 4
n-Butlllle 0.5 58.12 0,291 25.81 0.129 551 3 766 4
Total 100 5,524 7.764 378 140
• By muiliplying the compo.ltlQn 01 each componenl In mMUM by \11. pro~ lor thet oomponenl.
we oblaln Ihe conlrlbutlon 01 thl property tor thO amau nt ot tli.l component In l e mt.ture. factors as functions of actual pressure and temperature are available. Unless such charts are provided for mixed gases, It is normal to use the generalized compressibility charts (1,2,3,4], which require calculation of the reduced pressure, Pr, and reduced temperature, Tt• These terms are defined by: P; = PIPe and T,. = T/T.,-where P, and T. are the reduced pressure and temperature, respectively; P and T are pressure, psia, and temperature, OR, at actual operating conditions, respectively; and Po and T" are critical pressure, psia, and critical temperature, OR, of the mixture. To demonstrate the several relations, let us review the procedure for a gas mixture.

Example I-A typical hydrogen-hydrocarbon gas mixture has the composition shown in Table I. For this mixture, Jet us find the molecular weight, ratio of specific heats, critical pressure and critical temperature. The computations for the several components of the mixture are summarized in Table I, along with the pertinent data for each pure component. The specific-heat ratio, k, is computed as follows:

c c 1.764

k = c: = c. _ ~.986 = 7.764 _ 1.986 = 1.343

For this example, the molal specific heal, cP' was taken at ISQoF (assumed as a typical average temperature during the compression cycle for 100°F suction temperature). If the average temperature varies greatly from this value, the molal specific heat for Ihe,average temperature during compression must be used.

These computations may be done manually or by computer. If computerized, the standard values for aJl common gases for molecular weight, molal specific heat, critical pressure and temperature are stored in.the computer memory.

Pressures and temperatures must be given at suction or inlet conditions, and pressure at discharge or outlet conditions, including the pressure of any side-load or intermediate requirement in the total compression cycle. The discharge temperature is not given, but is calculated to include the effects of heal rise during compression. Pressures are normally expressed in lb/in" gauge, psig, or Ib/in2 absolute, psia,

80

Capacity may be expressed in any of several ways:

• Weight flow, W, lb/h or lb/min,

• Volume flow referred to standard conditions (usually 14.7 psia and 600P -in the chemical process industries) as:

(SCFM), standard cubic feet per minute. (SCFlI), standard cubic feet per hour.

(MMSCFD), million standard cubic feet pcr 24-hour day.

• Volume flow referred to inlet conditions usually expressed as:

(lCFMj, fi3/min, or fis/s. Q or Q" fi3/min, or al/s.

Regardless of how the capacity is given, it is necessary to convert to capacity at the inlet conditions to properly select or size a compressor. This conversion can be made by using any or all of the following relations:

<I)

where V is volume, P is absolute pressure, T is absolute temperature, and .z is the compressibility factor. In Eq. (I), the compressibility factor, ZI' may be assumed as 1.0 if PI and Tl are at standard conditions of 14.7 psia and S20oR.

(lCFM) := Q. = Wi! = w/p

(2)

where Wis flow, lb/min, vis specific volume, fi3/lb, and p is density, Ib/ft3. Specific volume, V; may be calculated from:

u = z(I~:5)(I~P)

where M", is the molecular weight. (SCFM) = 379.46M/60

(3)

where Mis flow, mol/h.

W= M(M,J

(4)

where Wis weight ftow,lb/h, M is flow, mol/h and MOD is molecular weight.

JANUARY 20, 1875/CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

0.3

0.6 1

3

6 10

Single·StlIge Pumps or Compressors

30

60 100

10,000

300 600 1.000

3,000

SPECIFIC speed and specific diameter enable the Initial selection of a definite type of slngle'stage compressor-Fig. 2

Specific speed, N.

Q ee [CFM) "" [(MMSCFD) X 108](~)(..!L)(2..)

• ( 60 X 24 P, 520 1.0

where the subscript, s, denotes properties at suction or inlet conditions.

Compressor Head and Horsepower

For any compressor, the horsepower required is:

(HP)ol.otl) = WHd(33,OOOr,o~ (6)

H "" (z. + Zd)( 1.545)T [,}"-U/i - I]

od 2 M..' (k _ 1)/k (7)

where (HP)g(atf! is adiabatic gas horsepower, hp; W is weigh I flow, Ib/min; Had is adiabatic head, (ft.lb)/Ib; 1J.d is adiabatic efficiency; 2~ is compressibility factor at suction conditions, 2d is compressibility factor at discharge conditions; M", is molecular weight; T, is suction temperature, OR; and r; is the ratio of compression, i.e., Pd/P"

Adiabatic discharge temperature, Td(ad)' OR is:

Certain types of compressors perform closely to the adiabatic conditions; many others deviate significantly' from adiabatic, and the compression cycle must be considered polytropic. In this case, the necessary relations are:

(HP),.,.,I.) = WHJlOl/33,OOO"llpol~

H "" (Z' + Z~ )( 1,545) [,/,,-U/B - 1 ]

polv 2 M", T, (11 - 1)/11

where (HP\(polv) is polytropic gas horsepower, hp; W is weight flow, lb/min; H""lv is polytropic head, (ft-Ib)/lb; 1J""I~ is polytropic efficiency; z, and 2d are compressibility factors for suction and discharge conditions, respectively; MID is molecular weight; T, is suction temperature, ~R; and r. is the, ratio of compression.

(9) (10)

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING/JANUARY 20,1975

(5)

POlytropic discharge temperature, Td(PO!~)' is calculated from:

The value of the quantity n in the several polytropic relations is obtained from:

(!!..=.l) = (!.=..!. )(_'. )

11 k 11 .. 1.

When using tables of gas properties or Mollier diagrams for performing compressor calculations, the adiabatic head, Had! is obtained from:

where h is enthalpy, Btu/lb.

Relation of adia batic efficiency to polytropic efficiency:

[ (r}·-U/k _ I)] lIo~ = (,.t"-lI'" _ I)

(8)

Specific Speed

. Specific speed, N" is an index number for the impellers or rotors of various types of pumps and compressors. The definition is the same for both pumps and compressors:

. N. = NVQIIP" (14)

When using Eq. (14) for compressors, it is common 10 express speed, N, in rpm; capacity, Q, in tV/s at inlet conditions; and head, H. in (ft-Ib)/lb.

Another dimensionless quantity for impellers or rotors is termed the specific diameter, Do, defined by;

DJPlt D=--

'-IQ

where D is diameter of impeller or rotor, ft.

Balje 151 presented a specific. speed chart com bining the

81

( II)

(12)

(B)

(15)

COMPRESSORS ...

relations of Eq. (14) and (I5), which is shown in Fig. 2. If Fig. 2 is used, it must be on a head per stage basis-i.e., each impeller or stage must be chosen with regard to the inlet capacity and head for that stage. Although past experience with existing types and designs of compressors will often make reference to a diagram such as Fig. 2 unnecessary, it does provide a logical correlation for selecting the type of compressor that can be used for any given application. The following example will illustrate a typical use of Fig. 2.

Example 2-Let us make a preliminary selection of a compressor to handle 90,000 ICFM of air when inlet conditions are 14.3 psia, 90°F, and 70%relative humidity. Discharge pressure will be'22J psia, molecular weight ::::

28.59, k:::: cpic" :::: 1.395. We will assume an impeller diameter, D, of 55 in, and a rotating speed, N, of 3,550 rpm.

In order to use Fig; 2, we must find the specific speed and specific diameter from Eq. (14) and (15). To do so, we first calculate inlet air flow, Q.:::: 90,000/60 :::: 1,500 ft3/s, and adiabatic head from Eq. (7), keeping in mind that compressibility factors are unity for these conditions. Hence:

H =: ( 1,545 ) (550) [ (22.3/14.3)°,293 - I] = 14 072

.~ 28.59 0.283 '

N = 3,5SOVl,5OO = 106.4

• (14,012)3/t

D = (SS/12)(14,072)IfC = 1.29

· v 1,500

By using these values in Fig. 2, we find that a centrifugal compressor with a single radial-flow impeller will give a selection in the optimum-efficiency range.

Centrifugal Compressor Selecllon

Centrifugal compressors have become the most popular type for use in the chemical process industries largely because their relatively simple, maintenance-free designs provide long periods of continuous operation.

The simplest style of centrifugal compressor is the single. stage overhung design. Current commercial designs are available from flows of about 3,000 ICFM to as high as 150,000 ICFM. The conventional closed or shrouded impeller (Fig. 3) will be used for adiabatic heads to about 12,000 (ft-lbj/lb, The open, radial-bladed impeller (Fig. 3) will develop more head for the same diameter and speed. Variations of this type (Fig. 3), having inducer or three-dimensional-type blading, will develop up to 20,000 (ft-lbj/lb of head.

Similar designs are used with higher-strength materials, at higher speeds, for specialized applications such as the integral-gear plant-air compressor, or for aerospace applications, engine turbochargers, expander loadcompressors, etc.

MUltistage Centrifugal Compressors

When the head requirement is too great for one impeller, the obvious solution is two or more impellers in series. These form the . multistage compressors that are

82

found in most process applications. The most conventional is the horizontal-split casing with three to eight impellers in series, with or without intercooling such as shown on p. 79.

Designs are available in flow ranges from 1,000 to 100,000 ICFM, at total polytropic heads from 20,000 to 100,000 (ft-lb)/lb, based on the number of impellers or stages per casing. Such a casing is sometimes arranged with opposed impellers to partially equalize thrust, and to simplify design problems relating to thrust bearings, balance drums and shaft seals.

Similar impeller arrangements are used in verticalsplit, barrel-type casings made of welded, cast or forged steel. The vertical-split casings are more suitable for higher pressures than the horizontally split designs.

The current "Standard for Centrifugal Compressors," [61 specifies that barrel-type casings must be used for pressures above 200 to 250 psig if the hydrogen content of the gas mixture is 70% or greater, to help ensure against leakage. Flow ranges are from about 1,000 to 100,000 ICFM. Such compressor barrels have been built for pressures as high as 10;000 psig.

The standard machine for compressed-air service today is the three-stage or four-stage intercooled design such as shown on p. 78, that is built in sizes ranging from 500 to 70,000 ICFM, based on atmospheric air compressed to about 125 psig, At present, this type has not been widely applied to gas service-especially if the gases are dirty, corrosive or toxic. Closer examination of this design reveals that the impellers are attached to pinion shafts that rotate at different speeds for succeeding stages. This arrangement enables the machine designer to achieve optimum dimensional sizing and efficiency all a volume of air or gas that is continually being reduced due to compression. This results in a more efficient machine than the conventional design for single-shaft gas or air compressors.

A popular derivative of the multistage compressor is the external-bolted casing or modular type developed for low-pressure air or gas service. This machine is widely used for flows ranging from 400 to 20,000 ICFM, at heads as high as 18,000 to 20,000 (ft-lb)!lb. Here, the casing is assembled in modules (doughnut-shaped rings each containing one diffuser section and. one impeller). The unit runs at speeds of 3,000 to 4,000 rpm, which lI110ws the use of inexpensive ring-oiled or grease-lubricated ball bearings. Also, the low tip-speeds permit the use of castaluminum or fabricated-aluminum impellers rather than the more expensive forged-steel types in higher-speed machines.

Higher-speed designs of the modular type are also available. These cover flows from 500 to 15,000 ft3/min, and heads to about 60,000 ft in a single casing. This modular type has most of the high-speed features regarding bearings, seals, shaft and impeller designs but costs much less than the horizontal split-case multistage unit.

All of these types have mechanical limitations, due to shaft and bearlng stiffness, shaft deflection, critical speed, and rotor dynamic problems. When the process requires more head than can be developed with the maximum number of impellers in one casing, two or three casings may be used in series to obtain as many as 25 or 30

JANUARY 20, 1975/CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Example 3: Overall Polytroplc·Head Method-Table II
, Centrllugal-Compres$or Calculation
Reeyc!e Alternate Source or
Idenllflcallon Compreslor Selactlon Explanation
Capacity, MMSCFD 80 Same Given
<-
CapaCity, W, lb/h - - Given (sometimes)
Inlet capacity, Q, ICFM 2,961 <- EQ. (5)
Suction pressure, P" psia 300 <- Given
Suction temperature, -F 100 <- Given
Suction temperature, OR 560 <- Given
Relative humidity, % - - Given (if air)
Discharge pressure, Pd, psia 450 <- Given
Molecular weight, MID 5.524 <- Given
Gas constant, R = 1,545/M .. , 279.69 Calculated
<-
Specific heal ratio. k 1.343 <- Given, or calcutated.
See Table I
Compressibility, suction, z, 1.01 <- Given, or calculated.
See Table I
COmpressibility, discharge, Zd 1.022 <- Given, or calculated.
See Table I
Compressibility, average, (z, + Zd)/2 1.016 <- Calculated
Specific volume, V, n3/1b 3.66 <- See EQ. (2)
Weight flow, W" lb/rmn 809 <- See EQ. (2)
Specific haat exponent, (k - 1)/k 0.255 <- Caloulated
Acoustic vetocttv at inlel, U~, fils 2,616 <- u, = ykgRT,z,
Ratio of compression, r, = PdIP. 1.5 <- Calculated
I Head coeflicient, II. 0.49 <- From Tabte IV
Polytropic elliclency, 'I"",., % 73 <- From Fig. 4
Nominal impeller dlametar, D, in 18 <- From Table IV
Polytropic exponent ratio, (n - 1 )/n = Y 0.349 y= (k - 1)lk
<-
'II"".
(ry 1.152 <- Calculated
Discharge temperature, polytropic, i; OR 645 <- i. = T,(rJY
Discharge temperatura, polytropic, 'd' ~F 185 <-
Polytropic head, H ... ,~, (fHb)/lb 69,307 <- Eq. (10)
Gas horsepower, (HP)~""'"l' hp 2,328 <- EQ. (9)
Friction horsepower, bearings, hp 28 34 .Select from Fig, 6
Friction horsepower, seals, hp 27, 35 Select from Fig. 6"
Friction horsepower, gear 0 0 None (use steam turbine) Estimate
at 2% of gas horsepower
Total brake-horsepower, BHP 2,383 2,397
Impeller lip-speed, maxtrnum, U, Ills 900~ U ~ 0.9 to 1.0(U.)
Impeller tip-speed, actual, U, illS 1107 871 U = jHpo,.9
N"I/-
Number of stages, N •• 7 6 From above relation
Frame size or designation #2 #2 From Table IV or manufacturer
Rotating speed, N, rpm 10.267 11,081 N = 229UID
Flow coeffiCient at Inlat, <1». 0.0346 0.0321 EQ. (17)
Flow coeffiCient at outlet, <l>d 0.0289 0.0249 EQ. (In
°In this eXimple. the maximum Impeller lip-speed 10 net by str .... s IIm~aUons In " conventional backwlrd·curved·blado Impeller, not by oomp.arioon wllh
KOl/OIIC velocity. Coneiuslon: The preliminary .o'Q"!'~n ., a 7-3lage or 6·.tage .-entrtrug.1 comereascr, without intarcooling. requiring ipproxim.tely l.~OO
BHP, and operlting at 10.267 or Il.0<ll rpm. COMPRESSORS _

Open radial impeller

Open inducer impeller

Closed impeller

SINGLE-STAGE impellers tor compressors-Fig. 3

impellers in series. Selection of such combinations still comes back to fundamentals, i.e., calculating (a) the lCFM (inlet ft3/min) at whichever casing is being considered, (b) total adiabatic or polytropic head across that stage or section, and then (c) matching available casing and impeller sizes and speeds, with or without speedchange gears, to obtain a complete series of casings.

Before proceeding to select or specify a compressor with multiple stages, the temperature rise during compression must be carefully considered. If the resulting discharge temperatures are above approximately 350"F, some means .of cooling the gas must be included in order to avoid dangers from hot discharge gases or problems

84

71HH~~~~~~~~--r-+-~~~H 70~~~~~~~~-7~~~~

0.6 2 3 4 6 810 20 30 50 100

Cepaclt y at inlet conditions, thousand ft3 min

EFFICIENCY of multistage centrifugal compressors-Fig. 4

associated with materials of construction at higher temperatures. Intercoolers are usually required to cool the gases before further compression after each stage (in some designs) or after several stages.

Calculallon Methods

Weight flow, inlet capacity, adiabatic or polytropic head, and the approximate horsepower may be quickly estimated by the basic relations thus far. described. Two examples summarize the necessary procedures.

Example 3-Let us make a preliminary selection of a centrifugal compressor to handle 80 MMSCFD of a recycle gas having a molecular weight of 5.524. We will use the methods for an overall polytropic head. Other pertinent data and the necessary computations are shown in Table II.

Example 4-Let us now make a preliminary selection of a centrifugal compressor to handle a mainstream of 64,200 lb/h and an additional sidestrearn of 42,300 lb/h of propane. We will use the method requiring a Mollier chart in this problem. Other pertinent data and the necessary computations are shown in Table III.

In performing the computations for Examples 3 and 4, we will need some additional information and explanations of the material shown in Tables II and III.

Some representative values for polytropic efficiency, flow range, impeller diameter, and head coefficient for currently manufactured industrial machines are shown in Fig. 4 and Table IV. More-specific data must be obrained from manufacturers of compressors.

The head coefficient, ,_,., and the flow coefficient <P, are dimensionless values that are used [0 describe the performance of any single compressor impeller or group of impellers. The relation can be expressed as a performance curve (Fig. 5). The value of ,_,. at or near peak efficiency is chosen for the preliminary selection. The head and flow coefficients are defined as:

,,= H"g/lP

oj> = 700Q.I N DJ

(16) (17)

where H'I is head per stage, ft; g is the gravitational constant, 32.2 fL/s2; U is impeller lip-speed, rtfs; Q. is inlet capacity, ft3/min; N is impeller speed, rpm; and D is impeller diameter, ft.

The actual values of,_,. and the shape of the Curve are

JANUARY 20, 1975/CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Example 4: Moilier-Chart Melhod- Table III
Centrifugal-Compressor Calculation
Side
Section or Stage First Load Second Source or Explanallon
Gas Propane <- <- Given
Molecular weight, Mw 44 <- <- Given
Rallo specific heats, k 1.13 <- <- Given
Compressibility, z, 0.95 --- 0.915 Given or from Tables or MoUier chart
Load, WI' Ib/h 64,200 --- --- Given
Load, WI' Ib/min (070 --- ---
Added load, W2, Ib/h --- 42,300 --- Given
Added load, W2, Ib/min --- 70S ---
Total load, WI + W2, Ib/min 1,070 --- 1,775
Suction pressure, P" psia 24 56 56 Given
Suction temperature, t, OF -20 +20 +35" Given (. or calculated)
Suclion temperature, T" 0 R 440 480 495
Suction enthalpy, hI' Btu lib 104.5 115 1222 From Tables or Mollier chart
Suction specific volume, V,, tr/lb 4.25 1.96 From Tabtes or Mollier chart
Suction capacity, 0" n3/min 4,548 3,479 See Eq. (2)
Discharge pressure, Pd, psia 56 215 Given
Discharge enthalpy, h2(QdJ' Btu/lb 123 151.2 From Tables or Mollier chart
t:.h (adiabatic), Btu/Ib 18.5 29 t:.h = h2!odJ - hI
Head (adiabatic). (f\-lb)/lb 14,393 22,562 EQ. (12)
Efficiency (polytropIC),'1polv' % 73.5 73.3 From Fig. 4
Elficiency (adiabatic), 1).d' % 72.5 71.5 Eq. (13)
t:.h (polytropic). Btu/Ib 22.5 40.6 All ""IV =IIt.d I 1). d
Enthatpy (polylropic), Btu/lb 127 162.8 n, + Ahpo1v
Discharge temperature, OF 46 162 From Tables or Mollier chart
Discharge specltlc- volume, Vd, ft3 lib 2.0 0.58 From Tables or Mollier chart
Discharge capacity, Qd' 113/min 2,140 1,030 Qd = W,Vd
Gas horsepower, (HPJO<Odl' hp 644 1,697 Eq. (6)
Bearing and seal loss, hp 63
Gear loss (if used), hp 47 Estimate 2% 01 gas horsepower
,
Total brake-horsepower, BHP 2,451
Frame size #2 #2
Number 01 stages, N./ 2 3 Estimate
Preliminary impeller diameter, D, In 17.5 16 From Table IV or manufacturers' data
Preliminary head ccetticlent, I' 0.50 0.49 From Table IV or manufacturers' data
'Preliminary Up-speed, U, ft/s 661 703 U ::= yHod9IN,/I'
Acous_tic velocity, U., ft Is 731 761 U.::= YkgRTz
Ratio, UIUo 0.932 0.924 ~ 0.9 to 1.0
Shaft speed, N, rpm 8,943 8,943 N ::=229UID
"'I;Wh '00,'00 'Wh
42.llb/h~

J J I j J cf§Ju 2,500 hp
1,800 rpm
, , 1 1 -, box Moto r driver
~ .

COMPRESSORS . , ,

~ 8. f:'

?i

t; <I>

'u

:t

0.73 .6. 0.72 a 0.71 s 0.708. 0.69 =

e

6

Flow coefficient, IP

PERFORMANCE 01 a centrifugal compressor-Fig. 5

dependent on the design of the impeller [71. Morespecific information, regarding surge point and rise in head, is necessary before attempting to estimate the shape of an actual curve.

After the gas horsepower has been determined by either method, horsepower losses due to friction in bearings, seals and speed-increasing gears must be added. Fig. 6 shows suggested losses for conventional multistage units, based on the use of oil-film seals [8].

AH of these calculations give only preliminary results.

More-accurate determinations are made by the compressor designer through the use of individual impeller data, making possible the "wheel by wheel" selection, in which the performance of each impeller is determined on the basis of its specific inlet conditions, then added together to give the total performance of the compressor.

Control 01 Centrifugal Compressors

When any or all of the following para melersmolecular weight, ratio of specific heats, suction or discharge. pressure, or temperature-change with respect to flow, a different point is reached on the head-capacity curve for any given compressor because the compressor develops head and nor pressure.

Centrifugal compressors and blowers follow the "fan . laws" or "affinity laws" regarding variation in capacity and head as a function of speed:

N, Ql Vii;

N2 =~= ...m;

(18)

where N is speed, Q is volumetric capacity, and H is head.

Thus, the most effective way to match the compressor characteristic to the required output is to change the speed in accordance with Eq. (18). This is one of the principal advantages of using steam or gas turbines as drivers for compressors; they are inherently suited to variable-speed operation. With such drivers, the speed can be controlled manually by an operator adjusting the speed governor on the turbine. Or. the speed adjustment can be made automatically by a pneumatic or electronic

86

80
70
60
50
Q.
..c:
gf 30
..9
0>
.5" 20
iii
aI
~O
Shaft speed, N, thousand rpm
70
60
50
Q. 40
..c:
gf 30
..9
1
(5 2

3 4 6 6 B 10

20

Shaft speed, N, thousand rpm

LOSSES due to friotion in bearings and seats-Fig. 6

controller that changes the speed in response to a flow or pressure signal.

For constant-speed drives suoh as electric motors," the

compressor must be. controlled in one of three ways:

I. Inlet-guide vanes (most efficient).

2. Throttling of suction pressure.

3. Throttling of discharge pressure (least efficient). Inlet-guide vanes are manually or automatically ad-

justable stationary vanes in the inlet to the first stage (sometimes to succeeding stages) that cause the angle of approach of the incoming gas to change relative to the rotating impeller. This changes the flow oharacteristic in response to varying load requirements. Fig. 7 illustrates the effect of such control on head and capacity. Although most efficient, the: economics of inlet-guide vanes must be carefully studied, as they are expensive, complex on some types of machines, and constitute additional mechanisms requiring maintenance and adjustment.

A compromise to achieve simplicity and efficiency is usually made by throttling the suction. This results in a slightly lower suction pressure than the machine was designed for, and thus yields a higher total head if the discharge pressure remains constant. This can be matched to the compressor's head-capacity curve, i.e. higher head at reduced flow. In throttling the inlet, the density of the

• N_II.,labl,.$p&ed elllctrlQ-motor drl ..... r. aru also ,,:valilbia bu I seldom unci I n the chamlcl! p!"oc"a' Indullrlea. Two-apaed or multllpeed wound·rotor rno- 10'B p",sent problema In ha~ardou ... reas, The ..... a 01 eleclrlcal or hydr.ullc v"rlable"'p""d <:IU1<:_ or co upllngs ollsn presents mooh .. nl,,"1 problems and potentl"1 I nel1lclancl ... ot 01l-lleol9n ""ndillon s.

JANUARY 20, 1975/CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

,
Preliminary Selection Values lor Multistage
Centrllugal Compressors- Table IV
H8a~ C081fi ciani,· Impellu Dla meter,
Nominal flow Bange. AV8rage, Nomlnal,O,
Size fP/Mln IL In
1 800 to 2,000 0.48 14 to 16
2 1 ,500 to 7.000 0.49 to 0.50 17 to 19
3 4.000 to 12,000 0.50 to 0.51 211022
4 6,000 to 17,000 0,51 to 0.52 24
5 a ,000 to 35,000 0.51 to 0.52 32
6 35,000 to 65,000 0.53 42 to 45
7 65,000 to 100.000 0.54 54 to 60
• Based on impeller. with backwlrd·curvftd blade.. Impellers wi Ih
radial blade. have higher values, gas i~ reduced, resulting in a matching of the required weight flow to the compressor's inlet-volume capabilities at other points on the head/capacity curve.

The least-efficient method of control is to throttle the discharge. At reduced flow, the compressor develops more head (and pressure) than the process requires. This extra head or pressure is throttled before passing to the process equipment, but the horsepower consumed in compressing it is wasted-hence, the relative inefficiency. This method has the advantage, however, of being very simple, and is often applied on small-horsepower machines where the inefficiency can be neglected.

Surge Control of Centrllugal Compressors

All dynamic compressors have a limited range of capacity for a given selection of impellers at a fixed speed. Below the minimum value (usually SO to 70% of the rated flow), the compressor will surge, i.e. become unstable in operation. Excessive vibration and possibly sudden fail" ure or shutdown may then occur.

It is essential that all compressor systems be designed to avoid possible operation in surge. This is usually done by providing sam e type of antisurge con trol. The simplest form is used on air compressors, and consists of a blowoff valve, automatically controlled, to open and blow off excess capacity to the atmosphere if the process-flow requirement is too low. More-efficient methods with suction-control valves are sometimes used.

For a gas that cannot be wasted to atmosphere, the most common antisurge control is bypass control (i.e., bypassing unwanted flow back to the suction source). Since this gas has already been compressed, its tempera" ture has increased. Therefore, it must be cooled before entering the compressor a second time. A bypass cooler may be required. In systems where the suction source is large enough, or far enough away, so that the heat is dissipated by mixing or radiation, the cooler may not be required.

Several well-engineered surge-control systems are also available from companies specializing in process controls. It may be preferable to purchase such a control system than to design your own (9].

CHEMICAL ENGtNEERtNG/.JANUARY 20,1975

Capacitv. % of rated amount

INLET guide vanes affect perlormance-Flg. 7

Shaft Seals on Rotating Machines

Shaft seals are required for every rotating compressor shaft to contain the gas being compressed or 10 allow a controlled leakage. Seals are generally of four basic types: (I) labyrinth, (2) restrictive ring (carbon ring), (3) oil-film and (4) mechanical contact. Fig. 8 illustrates these types Ref. [6J.

Labyrinth or restrictive-ring types are used only when some leakage of air or gas can be tolerated. The oil-film types are normally used on process gases-especially on gases containing impurities that are dangerous or toxic, such as hydrogen sulfide. The mechanical-contact type can also be applied to most gases, but finds its biggest use on clean, heavier hydrocarbon gases, refrigerant gases, etc.

Occasionally, a buffer gas will be required to form a buffer between the compressed gas and the atmosphere, and is often found when compressing dangerous or toxic gases that must not be allowed to leak 0111. Such a system has the disadvantage of requiring an external gas supply at a pressure higher than the compressor's suction pressure. The system also requires a buffer gas that is clean and compatible with the gas being compressed (since some of the buffer gas may leak inward), and is available in an uninterrupted supply. If this last is not possible, a backup gas such as bottled nitrogen may be required as well-making the overall system very complicated and expensive.

Lubrication and Seal-Oil Systems

When oil-film or mechanical-contact seals are used, seal oil is required. This is usually a self-contained, recirculated system, supplying oil under pressure to the seals; and draining oil away from the seals ill one or two separate streams, depending on the contamination of the oil by contact with the gas.

For example, if the gas contains hydrogen sulfide, the oil that leaks inward toward the gas will be contaminated. This oil will be drained separately into contaminated-oil drain traps, possibly to be discarded or at least reconditioned before reuse. If the gas is not toxic, the inner drain

B7

COMPRESSORS ..•

Port mav be ~dded ,/ for scavenging or inertil85 sea ling

Internel

Qas pressu re

Atmosphere

•. labyrinlh

IntaPlal

ga. pi"_ure

Atmo&pher",

Contaminated all out

b. MechaniCilI (contect)

Port may be ... added for sealing

Internel gas pressure

la

Clean oil in

Contaminated oil out

d. Liquid 'ilm with cylindrical bushing .

Oil out

Atmosphere

Clean 011 recirculation

Internal ges pressure

Oil out Cle~n all In •• liquid '11m with pumping bUlhlng

SHAFT seals for the rotating compressor shaft either contain the gas being compressed or aUow for Its controlled leakage-Fig. 8

JANUARY 20, 1U5/CHEMlCAL ENGINEERING

traps may be connected directly to the main-seal oilreturn system, and the oil reused- ..

On all centrifugal compressors that have pressurelubricated sleeve bearings, a lubrication-oil supply systelll is required. On any compressor requiring seal oil, a similar seal-oil supply system- is required. These may be combined into one system-or into one lubrication system having booster pumps to increase the pressure of only the seal oil to the required sealing pressure. On more-complex installations, separate seal-oil and lube-oil systems will be required.

Each such system is normally furnished by the supplier of the compressor or the driver. The system may supply oil for lubricating both com pressor and driver bearings. In some special cases, a driver will have its own lube-oil supply. The oil systems are usually specified to be mounted by the supplier on a console or baseplate, located adjacent to the compressor. Occasionally, on small simple, oil systems, the oiling equipment may be mounted on the same base as the compressor or turbinedriver. For .more information on lube-oil and seal-oil systems, see Ref. [10 J.

A)[181~Flow Compressors

In axial-flow types of dynamic compressors, the flow of gas is parallel to the compressor's shaft and does not change direction as in radial-flow centrifugal types. The capacity range for axial machines as shown in Fig. 2 is to the right of radial-flow centrifugals, indicating the use ofaxials for higher flows than centrifugals. The head per stage of the axial machine is much lower (less than onehall) than a centrifugal type. Therefore, most axials are built with many stages in series. Each stage consists of rotating blades and stationary blades. In a 50% reaction design, one-half of the pressure rise occurs across the rotor blades and one-half across the stator blades,

Axial-flow machines are available from about 20,000 ICFM to over- 400,000 ICFM, developing pressures up to 65 psig in typical 12-stage industrial designs; or slightly over 100 psig in current gas-turbine IS-stage air compressors. These types are used in combustion gas-turbines, and aircraft jet engines of all but the smallest sizes. They are also widely used in process applications requiring air flows or gas flows above 75,000 or 100,000 ICFMespecially as they exhibit greater efficiency than comparable multistage centrifugals. The axial is usually higher priced than a centrifugal. In smaller sizes, it can only be justified on the basis of higher efficiency.

The characteristic curve of an axial machine is much ste'eper than a centrifugal. Due to the flow characteristics of the rotor, and the large number of stages, the axial machine has a very narrow stability range (Fig. 9). It is most readily controlled by a variable stator-blade control, usually on the first several stages of any axial machine (partial stator-blade control)'; and sometimes on every stage for greatest stability, range and efficiency.

Mechanical details regarding bearings, shaft seals, lubrication and seal-oil systems, and also regarding control and performance at varying speeds, are all similar to those for centrifugal compressors previously reviewed.

Less information is available regarding preliminary

CHEMICAL· ENGINEERING! JANUARY 20, 1975

Capacitv, % of design velus

STATOR blade control in axial compressor-Fig. 9

selection methods for axials than for centrifugals. Although the axial compressor follows the same basic laws regarding adiabacticand polytropic head, weight flow, peripheral speed (at pitch line of rotor blades), etc., the project engineer should consider this type in a preliminary way only, before calling in a manufacturer's representative to obtain accurate estimating data.

Positive Displacement: ReciprocatIng

Reciprocating compressors cover the range from the smallest capacity requirements through approximately 3,000 ICFM. Larger sizes are available but generally are not desired today for process service-centrifugal types being preferred. High pressures and relatively low-velume flows us~ally require reciprocating machines. The number of stages or cylinders must be chosen with relalion to discharge temperature, available cylinder size, and compressor frame load or rod load.

The smallest sizes (to about 100 hp) may have singleacting cylinders, are air cooled, and may allow oil vapors from the compressor crankcase to mix with the compressed air or gas. Such types are only desired for process service in certain specialized, modified designs.

Small single-cylinder process types (25 to 200 hp) have a water-cooled cylinder, double-acting piston, separate stuffing box (allowing controlled leakage), and may be furnished with nonlubricated construction (no lubricant contacts the compressed air or gas). These serve for instrument air, or for small process-gas applications.

Larger gas- or air compressors will require two or more cylinders. On most process installations, these cylinders will be arranged horizontally and in series, forming two or more stages of compression. Typical size-ratings currently available for process applications are shown in Table V. The number of stages of compression is largely a function of the temperature rise across a stage (usually limited to about 250·F), the frame or rod loading that the compressor can handle, and occasionalIy the total pressure rise across a stage as it relates to compressor· valve design (usually limited to less than I,OOO-psi). '

The total ratio of compression is determined in order to obtain a first approximation of the number of stages.

89

COMPRESSORS •••

\
Size Ratings for Reciprocating
Compressors-Table V
TYphlal TYpical AJIproxlmll~
Siroke.i, Spad,N. Horsepower
Type Ia Rpm Range, Hp
Sing le·crank frames 5,7 600 10514 1035
7,9 450 30 to 60
9,11 400 5010125
11,13 300 to 327 100 to 175
Stow-speed frames 9.9y:' 600 10514 200 10800
Horizontal 10, lOY, 450 400101,200
Opposed cylinders II: 12 450 to 400 800 to 2,000
(Iwo or more) 14 327 1,000 to 2.500
15, 15Yz, 16 327 to 300 I,SOO 10 4,000
17,18 27710257 3,000 10 10,000
19,20
Medium·speed an d
high -speed fr anws 5 1,000 150 to 400
Herizontal 6,8 720 to 900 1.000 to ",SOO
Opposed cylind~rs
(11'10 Of more) 9 600 4,ODO 10 8,000 If the ratio is too high for one stage (about 3.0 10 3.5), then the square root of the total ratio will equal the ratio per stage for two stages; the cube root for three stages, etc, Actual interstage pressures and ratio per stage will be modified afLer allowances are made forpressure drops through intercoolers, interstage piping, separators, and pulse dampers when used.

Selecting Reciprocating Compressors

A quick and reasonably accurate method to determine the approximate horsepower requirement for each stage of a reciprocating compressor is to use the "horsepower per million" curves, as shown in Fig. 10." For accurate results on gases much lighter or heavier than air, a correction factor must be applied to reflect the changes in valve losses resulting from the molecular weight of the actual gas (Fig. 11). The basic relationship is:

(HP) = (BHP) (MMCFD)F (2. + Zd) (19)

.1 (MMCFD) '" 2

where (HP)'I is power per stage, hp; (BHP)!(MMCFD)' is the power required for a given compression ratio, brake hp/I06 fl3/d at 14.4 psia and suction temperature; (MMCFD) is required capacity, 1()6 fL3/d at 14.4 psia and suction temperature; F.9 is factor for specific gravity of gas; and z. and z</ are the compressibility factors for the gas at suction and discharge conditions, respectively. If nonlubricated construction is specified, increase the horsepower obtained from Eq (19) by approxirna lely 5%.

Curves such as shown in Fig. 10 are industry-accepted for preliminary selection. More-accurate curves can often be obtained from compre~s.or.manufacturers, which will aid in obtaining somewhat more accurate results.

• This chert CO\l8r'S only a portion or the range or compress;on raUos. The compr~le ae1 or cu rves eonteins ra Uoa up 10 6.0.

90

E

.... .. a.

~

o a.

~

o :r

Sourtlll: r~"oU.fl.n~ Co.

1,6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.42.5 Ratio of compression

POWER needed for reclprocatlnq compresacrs=Hq. 10

Cylinder Sizing

When the interstage pressure and temperatures on a multistage application have been established, the capacity at inlet conditions for each stage can be found. Due to the clearance necessary to permit operation and allow valve passages to be designed, the piston does not sweep the entire volume of the cylinder. Hence, the actual cylinder capacity is somewhat lower than the cylinder displacement. Expressed as a volumetric efficiency of the cylinder, this relation is:

(20)

where E; is the volumetric efficiency; Q is the capacity at inlet conditions, ICFM; C</r. is the cylinder displacement, ft3/min.

C - (Aho + A"" )('!:_)N

dr. - 144 12

where L is piston stroke, in; Ah• is area of head end of

(21)

... ..

~

a.

~

o I

2.0 2.5

3.0

3.5

1.5

Ratio of compression, Te

CORRECTION lactor lor specific gravity-Fig. ,11

JANUARY 20, 1975/CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

i

l

Example 5: Horsepower per Million Method-Table VI
Reclprocallng-Compressor Calculation
Capacity, MMSCFO 41.3 Given
Capacily,lb/h - Given (sometimes)
Gas Hydrogen + hydrocarbon Given
Molecular weight, Mw 2.925 Given or calculated
Ratio specific heats, k 1.40 Given or calculated
Suction pressure, PI' psia 208 - 2 == 206 Given (- pulse damper loss)
Suction temperature, 0 F 100 Given
Suction temperature, oR 560
Discharge pressure, Pd, psia 1,805 + 19 = 1,904 Given (+ pulse damper loss)
Overall compression ratio, fe 1,904/206 = 9.24
NumbEir of stages, n Assume (re;::;; 2.0 to 3.0/stage)
Stage I 1 2 3 For identification
Approximate ratio/stage 2.10 2.10 2.10 (r,Y
Approximate discharge pressure,
Pd, psia 433 909 1,909 r?,
Interstage pressure drop, psi 7 12 - .:::: 0.1 (Pd)O.1
Pulsation damper loss, psi 2 - 19 1 % of absolute pressure
Suction Discharge
Suction pressure, p., psla 206 433 909 Given or calculated
Suclion temperature, T" OF 100 100 100 Given or assume perfect
inlercooling
Suction compressibility. z. 1.01 1.018 1.035 Given or calculated
Discharge pressure, Pd' psla 440 921 1,904 Pd above + interstage loss
Discharge temperature, Td,. OF 236 235 231 T,(re)!k-1Jfk
Discharge compressibility, Zd 1.016 1.03 1.062 Given or calculated
Actual ralio/stage, '0 2.14 2.13 2.09 Calculated; Pd/P, (above)
Inlet capacity, Q., ICFM 2,226 1,067 517 Eq. (5)
Inlel capacity ai T. and 14.4
psia, MMCFD 45.40 45.40 45.40 (MMCFD) '" (/CFM)P./(10·)z.
BHP/MMCFD 46.5 46.25 45.2 From Fig. 10
Specific gravity correction. F'Q 0.875 0.87 0.865 From Fig. 11
Average compressibilily, Z4'~ 1.013 1.024 1_049 (z, + Zd)/2
BHP/stage 1,871 1,871 1,862 (BHP I MMCFD) F •• (MMCFD)z., ..
v
Total brake-horsepower, BHP 5,604 Sum of all stages
Number of cylinders 1 1 1 Assume, based on knowledge
01 available frames
Cylinder clearance. c; % 15 15 15 Use IOta 15% 'or estimate
Volumetric efficiency, E., % 86.3 .86_6 87.3 Eq. (22)
Displacement required, fP/min 2,579 1,233 593 (ICFM)IEu
Stroke, L, in 18 <- <- From Table V or manufacturer
Speed, N, rpm 277 <- <- From Table V or manufacturer
Piston-rod Size, d, in 5 <- <- From Table V or manufacturer
Cylinder diameter, D, in 2412 16.87 11.97 Eq. (21)
use use use
24% 17 12
Area, head end, A •• , in~ 461.86 226.94 113.10
Area, crank end, Ae<> in2 442.23 207.35 93.47 A •• - A","
Frame load, compression, Fo' Ib 112,119 119,266 130,375 Eq. (23)
Frame load, tension, F" Ib -99,438 -92,687 -75,156 Eq. (24)
Frame load limit, Ib 150,000 <- <- Based on available frame
Summary: Prelimi nary selection is a three-cylinder, 18-in stroke rnachi ne, running at 277 rpm, with one 24 'I.-in cylinder
(first slage), one 17-in cylInder (second slage) and one 12-in cylinder (third stage). All cylinders are double-acting. Driver
size is 6,000 hp, COMPRESSORS .••

Liquid moves outward, draws gas from inlet ports into rotor chambers Rotating liquid I

Liquid moves inward, compresses!Jlls in rotor chambers

Compressed gas escapes at discharge ports

Outlets - ---

LIQUID-RING rotary compressor Ii nds wide uSEj for handling acid-laden gas mixtures or corrosive gases-Fig. 15

areas, such as low-pressure-rise, low-capacity requirements. But such compressors should not be ignored when attempting to choose the correct machine for an application. Reference to the specific-speed chart (Fig. 2) may sometimes prove helpful in atlempting to apply a rotary compressor, Adiabatic head, capacity and horsepower determinations can be made in much the same way as for a centrifugal machine. However, a widely recognized source of data for efficiency is not available, hence, preliminary estimates for selecting a machine must usually

be made by using equipment manufacturers' data. .

Summary

The project engineer need not feel apprehensive about making preliminary selections for a compressor or blower of any type for any process-plant application if he carefully follows the basic relations and 'laws discussed in this reporl. Obviously, the final detailed performance and design are the responsibility of the compressor manufacturer, from whom much valuable assistance is available. It should prove helpful and time-saving in every case if the project engineer will first study his needs and make his own preliminary determination of compressor size and type.

Acknowledgements

The following films have supplied background information and/or illustrative material: Allis-Chalmers; Atlas Copco Inc.; Cooper Bessemer Co.,; DeLavai Turbine Inc.; Dresser Industries; Elliot Div., Carrier Corp; Gardner-Denver Co.; Hoffman Air & Filtration Div., Clarkson Industries Inc.; Ingersoll-Rand Co.; Joy Manufacturing Co.; Kellogg-American Inc.; Nash Engineering; Sulzer Bros.; Sundstrand Fluid Handling; Vilter Manufacturing Corp.; White Superior Div., White Motor Corp; and Worthington-CEI Inc. #

94

For a complete list of suppliers of gas compressors, see CHEMICAL ENGINEERING EQUiPMENT BuYERS' GUIDB, Aug. 19, 1974, Part 2, Section I, Liquid, Gas & Air Handling Equipment, P: 132.

References

I. "Engineering Data Book. ~ 91h ed., Naill ra I G as Processors S u ppliers Assn .• Tulsa, 1912.

2. "Gas Properties and Compressor Data." Form 3519-C, IngersollRand Co., Woodcliff Lake, N.J., 1961.

~. Scheel, L F., "Gas Machinc!),," Gulf Publishing, Houston, 1912.

4. ConWrcssibllii y Ch arts and Their A ppl iea lion 10 Problems I nvol v ing Pressure-Volume-Energy Relations for Real Gases, Bulletin P.7617, Worthington.CEI Ine., Mountainside, N.J .• t949.

5. lJa1jc,. O. E., A Siudy on Design Criteria and Malclting of Turbo-

machincs-,Plllt B. Tram'. ASME, J Eng. Power, Jan. 1962. .

6. Centrifugal Compressors for General Refinery Service. 3rd ed., API Standard 617, American Petroleum Institute, Washinglon, 1973.

1. Hillocil:, D. C., Cenlrifugal Compressors-The Calise of the Curve, Air Dod Gas Eng., Jln 1968.

B. Centrifugal Compressors. Bulletin 8282-C. Ingersoll-Rand Co., Woodcliff Lake. NJ .• 1972.

9. Magliow. T. L., Conlrol System Prevents Surging in CcmrifugIIl Flow Compressors, Ch~m. E~g., May B. 1961, pp. 139-142.

10. Lubrication, Shaft-Scaling. and Control-Oil Systems for Special· Purpose AppliOitions. APT Standard 6l~, American Petroleum Institute, Wasllington, 1!n3.

II. Reciprocating Comp(eslIors for General Refincry Service, 2nd cd., API Standard 6l8, American Petroleum 'p~lilute, Washington, 1974.

Meet the Author

Alchlrd P. N ... k... Is Chlel Engl. nee r, Rotallng Equl pnlent G =P. lor Th& Rllph M. P"",on~Co .. Pu~dena. CA 91124. HI Joi nad Pllloon. In t 957 and ha. WjI.ked contlnuou~.1y wI\b rollllln" mlChl""'Y euen U pum ps, tu rblnns, comp.uso.. and ,nglnn. on aU ~Oleots 10. the compiny. Pfl.-Ioue • he .penl over , 1 ynla II IlII app cello,," engln&e. 10. a major manu ractu reT of pum po. eompreeao •• Ind turbine •. He hal a B.S. In mechanical engineering f.om Cal~ Iomll Instlluhl of Technology Ind I. , membw 01 the ContrlclOl'8 Silb· oommlltae on Mecn.nlcal EquIpment 10. the Ame.lcan PatrOlaum In.illute·.

JANUARY 20, 1975/CHEMICAL ENGINEERING