SKG16 UPSTREAM OPERATIONS FUNDAMENTAL COURSE
:: Process Equipment ::
COMPRESSORS
SKG16 UPSTREAM OPERATIONS FUNDAMENTAL COURSE
:: Process Equipment – Compressors ::
FAMILY OF COMPRESSORS
Axial
Dynamic
Centrifugal
Compressors Sliding Vane
Rotary Lobe (Rootes blower)
Volumetric Screw
or
Displacement Piston
Reciprocating
Diaphragm
SKG16 UPSTREAM OPERATIONS FUNDAMENTAL COURSE
:: Platform Equipment – Compressors
Dynamic Compressor
Principle of operations is of energy exchange, the rotation of impeller
increases the kinetic energy of gas being compressed. Gas leaves the
impeller at high speed. It enters the diffuser and slows down and the
kinetic energy created in the impeller is converted to pressure energy.
The other means of compression that occurs is in the compressor’s
casing. Its diameter reduces from suction to discharge. Gas is being
forced into a smaller volume as it progresses through the compressor.
In multi-stage compressor this compression process is repeated several
times.
SKG16 UPSTREAM OPERATIONS FUNDAMENTAL COURSE
:: Process Equipment – Compressors ::
Centrifugal Compressors
Radial Flow
Air is drawn in at the center of a bladed impeller and is then forced out in a
radial direction at high velocity due to centrifugal force. The high velocity air
then enters a stationary diffuser where part of the velocity energy is
converted to pressure energy.
A single impeller can produce a pressure increase of about 4 to 1. For
higher pressure ratio, a multi-stage compressor is used.
Axial Flow
Axial flow compressor resembles a reaction turbine in general construction.
The rotating blades are designed to scoop air and push it along at increased
velocity and pressure. Air then enters diffuser-shaped stationary blades
where its pressure is further increased by conversion of velocity to
pressure.
MULTI-STAGE CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR
AXIAL FLOW COMPRESSOR
Axial Compressor Operation
Rotating Rotating Rotating Rotating
Rotor Row Rotor Row Rotor Row Rotor Row
Airflow
Stationary Stationary Stationary Stationary
Vane Row Vane Row Nozzle Row Nozzle Row
SKG16 UPSTREAM OPERATIONS FUNDAMENTAL COURSE
:: Process Equipment – Compressors ::
Sliding Vane Compressors - similar to vane pump.
-Rotor eccentrically mounted in the casing.
-Gas caught between the sliding vanes and is compressed into smaller volume.
-Used as high-volume, low discharge pressure units (up to 150 psig).
SKG16 UPSTREAM OPERATIONS FUNDAMENTAL COURSE
:: Process Equipment – Compressors ::
Lobed Compressor - has two impellers, each has two or more lobes that
rotate in opposite directions. Some gas leaks back to the suction because of
small clearance between the lobes and the casing. Thus, cannot produce high
discharge pressure - commonly use as super-charger or turbo-charger on ICE.
SKG16 UPSTREAM OPERATIONS FUNDAMENTAL COURSE
:: Process Equipment – Compressors ::
Screw Compressor - rotating, intermeshing pair of screws.
Gas trapped between screws, forced forward along passages between the
casing and the screws.
-Screws with reduced cross-sectional area and thus compress the air.
-Cannot varies compression ratio nor can be partially loaded.
-Operated on/off by an automatic load controller.
Two-Screw Type Compressor
SKG16 UPSTREAM OPERATIONS FUNDAMENTAL COURSE
:: Process Equipment – Compressors ::
Reciprocating Compressor - operating principle similar to
reciprocating pump, but because the medium is a gas (compressible
medium), expansions and compression have to be made before the
suction and discharge valves open or close.
Main components: Cylinder, piston, cylinder head, self-actuating non-
return suction and discharge valves, and reciprocating crank mechanism.
Intake Valve A Intake Valve B
Piston Cylinder
Cooling Jacket
Piston Rod
Discharge Valve D Discharge Valve C
SKG16 UPSTREAM OPERATIONS FUNDAMENTAL COURSE
:: Process Equipment – Compressors ::
Reciprocating Compressor Application
SKG16 UPSTREAM OPERATIONS FUNDAMENTAL COURSE
:: Process Equipment – Compressors ::
Compressor Selection – operating envelope
Thank You
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