| dc.description.abstract | Standard centrifugal compressors (CC) are designed to process dry gas or gas mixed with negligible amount of liquid Significantliquid content, namely liquid mass fraction (LMF) up to 30%, yield to rapid mechanical deterioration of the CC internals Fieldexperiences have shown significant erosion and corrosion of the compressor internals coupled with intense fouling Furthermore, evena small liquid ingestion is associated with non-negligible CC performance variations; as machine head and efficiency are both affectedtogether with the machine rotordynamics However, the compression of gas containing significant amounts of liquid phase can yield tosome substantial advantages in size and efficiency as liquid removal stations can be reduced (and eventually eliminated) Thus, thecompression station footprint and cost can be reduced accordingly with relevant impact on the layout and cost of subsea stationsMoreover, the introduction of selected wet tolerant features can yield to increased reliability of machines where wet conditions (ormild wet conditions) are triggered during off-design operationsWith the aim of providing a reliable technology for wet gas applications the OEM has developed a full size wet tolerant compressorprototype in which the machine lay-out, material selection, rotordynamics and aerodynamics were specifically designed to processsignificant liquid mass fractions (ie up to 30%)The wet tolerant prototype was tested in a closed loop where rich gas is laden with condensate hydrocarbons and water Thecompressor driven by a 28MW electric VFD motor reaches operating speeds ranging from 8807rpm to 13210rpm A test matrix wasdesigned to explore a wide range of inlet pressures (20bar -110bar) with liquid contents spanning from 5% to 30% of the total massflow rate The compressor performance was measured either with ASME-PTC10 standards (flange-to-flange) and internal dedicatedinstrumentation Moreover, the whole test rig was instrumented and monitored Internal fouling and erosion were investigated withborescope inspections within the test campaign and with bundle removal after the test campaign | |
