Abstract
This paper introduces a new iterative method to predict the equivalent centrifugal compressor performance at various operating conditions. The presented theoretical analysis and empirical correlations provide a novel approach to derive the entire compressor map corresponding to various suction conditions without a prior knowledge of the detailed geometry. The efficiency model was derived to reflect the impact of physical gas properties, Mach number, and flow and work coefficients. One of the main features of the developed technique is the fact that it considers the variation in the gas properties and stage efficiency which makes it appropriate with hydrocarbons. This method has been tested to predict the performance of two multistage centrifugal compressors and the estimated characteristics are compared with the measured data. The carried comparison revealed a good matching with the actual values, including the stable operation region limits. Furthermore, an optimization study was conducted to investigate the influences of suction conditions on the stage efficiency and surge margin. Moreover, a new sort of presentation has been generated to obtain the equivalent performance characteristics for a constant discharge pressure operation at variable suction pressure and temperature working conditions. A further validation is included in part two of this study in order to evaluate the prediction capability of the derived model at various gas compositions.
Highlights
The prediction of centrifugal compressor efficiency and operating range is essential to maintain the gas production sustainability and machine availability and to reduce the operating cost
The first part describes the basics of the derived method and the phases of the established methodology. This is followed by an example to test the validity of the new approach to predict the centrifugal compressor performance at various suction pressures and temperatures
A further case is presented in the second part of this study in order to emphasize the validity of this method with various gas compositions
Summary
The prediction of centrifugal compressor efficiency and operating range is essential to maintain the gas production sustainability and machine availability and to reduce the operating cost. One of the main disadvantages of these two approaches is the fact that some of the stated assumptions are only applicable for ideal gas conditions These two models are based on the fact that the stage efficiency is a function of the process gas properties only without considering the impact of Mach number and flow coefficient. Another alternative approach to derive the compressor performance at off-design conditions is by using the existing correction factors. The first part describes the basics of the derived method and the phases of the established methodology This is followed by an example to test the validity of the new approach to predict the centrifugal compressor performance at various suction pressures and temperatures. A further case is presented in the second part of this study in order to emphasize the validity of this method with various gas compositions
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