Compressors Operation

Course Content

• GAS COMPRESSION BASICS

  • Compressor types. Selection.
  • Gas compression: key points, pressure ratio. Gas composition, typical thermodynamical laws and models. Isothermal, isentropic, actual compression.
  • Compression work and power.
  • Single and multistage compression. Compressor protection against wet gases.

• TECHNOLOGY & PERFORMANCE

  • Centrifugal compressors:
  • Centrifugal compressor typical parts and arrangements.
  • Technology of the essential components: stator, rotor, bearings, thrust bearing, seals.
  • Vibrations, critical speed, dynamic balancing.
  • Auxiliary equipment: lubrication system, balancing line, mechanical seals auxilairies…
  • Safety devices: axial displacement, vibrations, bearing and thrust bearing temperatures, oil pressure…
  • Compression mechanism through a compressor stage.
  • Operation limits. Surge. Various antisurge systems.
  • Characteristic curves of the circuit and the compressor. Influence of the operating conditions: intake pressure and temperature, nature of the gas, rotation speed, IGV position.
  • Reciprocating compressors:
  • Reciprocating compressor parts and arrangements.
  • Technology of the essential components: cylinder, piston, valves, packings, crankshaft, connecting rod…
  • Auxiliary equipment: lubrication of moving parts and cylinders, interstage coolers and cooling devices systems, flare connections.
  • Safety devices: vibrations, rod drop, temperatures…
  • Piston side compression map vs operating conditions Theoretical and practical cycles.
  • Flow control with typical devices: spillback line, unloading, clearance pocket actuation,(e-)Hydrocom™ system.
  • Rotary positive displacement compressors:
  • Rotary positive displacement compressor technologies.
  • Auxiliary equipment.
  • Operation: start-up/shutdown, survey, flow control.

• OPERATION

  • Centrifugal compressors:
  • P&ID and logic security matrix analysis.
  • Flow rate regulation. Adaptation to service conditions.
  • Start-up, shutdown and isolation: hazards related to these phases.
  • Survey and monitoring the compressor and auxiliary equipment under normal operating conditions.
  • Case studies: typical incidents.
  • Applications with dynamic simulator: start-up, shutdown, operation vs suction conditions.
  • Reciprocating compressors:
  • Conventional control: start-up, shutdown associated risks.
  • Monitoring the compressor and auxiliary equipment under normal operating conditions.
  • Case studies: incidents.
  • Applications with dynamic simulator: start-up, shutdown, operation vs suction conditions.