Maximizing Compressor Efficiency While Maintaining Reliability.
Abstract
The natural gas and chemical processing industries have historically and necessarily demanded high reliability from their centrifugal compressors, which has led to a significant emphasis on field experience of designs. This emphasis has sometimes resulted in new units which reflect design and manufacturing practices which can be improved upon. Users can, in many cases, significantly increase efficiencies by considering designs which use more recently developed technologies that create only refinements of machines historically used in their applications. Accurately machined three-dimensional impellers are an example of an under-utilized available technology for multistage compressors. These designs used in several stages can provide significant efficiency gains, particularly at higher flows. At lower flows, impeller efficiencies can be improved by a process called abrasive flow machining. This process can provide similar benefits in process compressors by improving surface finish in areas that cannot be reached with conventional metal finishing techniques. Advancements in machine tool technology have also allowed changes in compressor casing designs. Numerical control (NC) machine tools can be used to machine inlets and variable area discharge volutes in the same axial casing space, thereby improving efficiencies through generous volute sizing without requiring additional diameter and bearing span. Specific examples of uses of these design and manufacturing technologies and comparisons to alternative designs are detailed. The data presented show that these technologies can be used with confidence to provide high compressor efficiencies while maintaining reliability.
Description
LecturePg. 91-100
Subject
TurbomachinesCollections
Citation
Marshall, D. Fred; Cotroneo, Joseph A. (1989). Maximizing Compressor Efficiency While Maintaining Reliability.. Texas A&M University. Turbomachinery Laboratories. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /163578.