ASME PTC 10 Modified Test For Mechanical Assessment Of Centrifugal Compressors.

Abstract

The rotordynamics paragraphs of the latest version of the API 617 Standard (2002) have been thoroughly reformulated and the prevention of subsynchronous vibrations and instability phenomena are dealt with in a very comprehensive and detailed form However, this stability analysis may suffer from the uncertainties of numerical simulations. Some manufacturers have developed evaluation tests based on magnetic actuators but these methods are still in an experimental phase. In order to ensure that no instability problem will be present during operation, the full load test have been of major importance. Recent experience on the ASME PTC 10 (1997) Type 1 test demonstrates that in many cases the manufacturer is not able to fully comply with its requirements. This study presents results obtained by the application of a full density test in order to use it as a mechanical test. Modifications on the requirements are proposed in order to adapt the ASME tests and allow using them as tests for mechanical and stability assessment. The advantages of using the modified requirements are demonstrated by the presentation of test results of different compressors