JITENDRA SURVE

PIPING GUIDE

01/04/03

COMPRESSORS
ELEVATIONS OF MACHINES

When separate lube oil consoles are used, a free-draining line from the
machine to the lube oil reservoir must be maintained.
Centrifugal Compressors
The type of driver and associated equipment items as well as the
straight run requirements of the compressor inlet piping are the major
factors that set the final elevation of the machines.
Figures 4-38 and 4-39 illustrate the following:
1. Arrangement A shows bottom-mounted nozzles.
2. Arrangement B shows top-mounted nozzles.
3. Arrangement C shows a surface condenser mounted directly
below the turbine, which is common when only one turbine is
being serviced.
4. Arrangement D shows a top nozzle that allows the exhaust
steam line to run to a surface condenser servicing multiple
turbines.

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JITENDRA SURVE

PIPING GUIDE

01/04/03

Criteria for Setting Machine Elevations.

By selecting compressor arrangement A or B and placing its match line
against the turbine match-line arrangement C or D, a designer can
review the governing criteria for setting machine elevations.

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JITENDRA SURVE

PIPING GUIDE

01/04/03

In addition, consideration must be given to miscellaneous equipment.

Reciprocating Compressors
Reciprocating machines are located as close to grade as possible
because of the extreme vibration in the piping system.
Minimum elevation is established by the following steps:
1. Sleeper Usually set to 12 to 18 in (300 to 50mm) above grade.
2. Header size Established on the PID.
3. Minimum distance required to enter the header with the largest
line to and from the compressor.
4. The pulsation dampener Designed by the compressor vendor.
5. Minimum clearance required between the dampener and floor
steel.
6. Maximum depth of floor steel Set by the structural engineer.
7. Dimensions from the centerline of the dampener to the face of
the nozzle Set by vendor.
8. Bottom of the compressor baseplate to the centerline of the
compressor shaft Set by the vendor.

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