Review of Centrifugal Compressors High Pressure Testing for Offshore Applications

Abstract

There are many doubts about the risk / reward relation when it comes to ordering tests involving high pressure centrifugal compression systems. There are different tests that can be classified in this category, namely Full Load, Full Pressure, Full Density, Full Speed or a combination of those along with the ASME PTC 10 Type 1 tests. Normally these tests are carried out as a Complete Unit Test (String Test). This paper aims to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the various types of tests. The codes from API and ASME do not detail the requirements of full pressure tests. The installation, the procedure, and the acceptance criteria are subject of agreement between vendor and purchaser. Therefore the importance of a meticulous test description during the bid phase is also discussed. In this paper, the various types of full load tests will be presented and along with a discussion on their capabilities to detect a variety of problems. Some issues which occurred during full load tests and at site will be described. Based on test characteristics and at the related cases, recommendations are made when ordering full pressure tests along with considerations regarding the return of investment of these tests.