Better efficiency and reliability for centrifugal compressors operating in parallel

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 73, No. 823, 1980

N. STAROSELSKY, Director of Engineering, Compressor Controls Corporation, Des Moines, Iowa

Significant energy savings are often possible for centrifugal compressors operating in parallel by improved control strategy and improved instrumentation. Blow-off can usually be reduced by improved surge control combined with a better control strategy for loading and unloading the group of machines. More precise and stable pressure control then becomes possible. This improved control strategy will also decrease the frequency of operation near the dangerous limits of surge or overload or overspeed. A sample station of mixed centrifugal and reciprocating compressors is examined and a substantial energy saving with the recommended control strategy is projected from operating data.

Keywords: Equipment, Maintenance, Compressors, Centrifugal compressors, Energy, Instrumentation, Surge control, Power consumption.