Field Testing Of Centrifugal Compressors

Abstract

Field testing of compressors may be carried out to monitor for performance shortfall in normal operation or to verify performance following an overhaul or revamp. Testing requires careful measurements of pressures, temperatures, flows, gas composition, speed and shaft power. Testing is discussed with reference to the procedures given in ASME Power Test Code 10. Some comparison is made of shop testing versus field testing and the latter is seen as complementary to the former. In most tests, shop as well as field, shaft power is determined by the heat balance method. This method is reviewed briefly in its application to single and multiple inlet compressors. An approach for calculating overall efficiency for multiple inlet machines, where internal temperature measurements are not available, is suggested. A few ways of plotting test results for ready comparison are set out. Finally, some shop and field test results are compared.