Surge Detection In An Industrial Axial Flow Compressor.

Abstract

Compressor surge can be a disruptive and potentially destructive phenomena in turbocompressors. A surge detection scheme utilized in shop and field testing of a 29,600 hp (22 MW) industrial axial compressor is described. Dynamic pressure transducers were installed in the compressor casing to monitor rotor blade-to-blade dynamic pressure changes indicative of rotating stall cells. Rotor shaft radial vibration was also monitored to correlate with the occurrence of surge. The onset of surge could clearly be identified in both the shop performance testing and actual field operation. Low frequency, subsynchronous stall cells were detected prior to an actual flow breakdown and flow reversal. The detection of incipient surge allowed corrective measures to be taken to prevent the compressor from surging. The instrumentation used to detect incipient surge and the results of the compressor testing are described.