| dc.description.abstract | The capacity, pressure, speed and horsepower of centrifugal compressors have been trending higher and higher in the past few years. Not only are machine designers faced with increasing aerodynamic and mechanical problems, but application engineers now have to cope with greater complexity in designing safe, economic control systems. This paper discusses the application of dynamic simulation to centrifugal compressor control system design. Three complex compressor systems which have been designed with the aid of simulation are presented. Two of the compressors are refrigeration units installed in a liquefied natural gas plant. The third is a high pressure gas injection compressor. Each of the units consumes power in the range of 25,000 to 40,000 BHP. The simulation studies resulted in design recommendations concerning the number and location of recycles required, sizing of recycle control valves, and set point, gain, and reset settings for control system instrumentation. The studies also led to a better understanding of how the compressors would interact with processes. Start-up procedures were tested and amended where required. The procedures followed in developing the simulation models are outlined. The structure of the mathematical models and the method of solution of the models are discussed. | en |
