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The Fig. 5 compares the simultaneous approach to patented by one of the authors. We believe this
the surge control line (curve II) and sequential approach to loading/unloading is of value for:
unloading (dotted curve I). In the sequential a. controlling a simultaneous approach to the surge
unloading, the less-efficient machine is first unloaded limit by all the station compressors,
to its surge control line. Between points A (maximum b. increasing station energy efficiency,
station capacity) and B (the surge control line of the c. improving precision and speed of pressure control,
less efficient machine) the station efficiency under d. improving machine protection, and
the sequential or simultaneous unloading does not show e. improving automation.
any significant difference for these compressors of
slightly different efficiency. The Equation Of The Surge Control Line
At Point B, efficiency drops drastically under To calculate S, the relative distance from the
sequential unloading. In contrast under the surge control line of any compressor at any given
simultaneous approach to the surge limits, the moment, we must begin with the equation of its surge
efficiency remains high until Point C. At C, both control line.
compressors must begin recirculating. Many equations have been offered for thy surge
Supposing a difference in capacity or efficiency control line. In the article by the authors we
of not more than 7 percent, a simultaneous approach to defined one useful equation as:
the surge control lines is the most efficient strategy.
With compressors of significantly different K AP c + b = ap o, s (2)
efficiencies (more than 10 percent) mixed unloading or
sequential unloading may be more efficient, in our where:
opinion. However, such stations are few in number. K is a constant defining the slope of the surge
limit line
Ap c is the pressure differential across the
compressor
po,s is the pressure differential across a flow
measuring device in the compressor suction,
k SIMULTANEOUS APPROACH TO b is a constant defining the distance in some flow
SURGE CONTROL LINES
unit between the surge limit and the surge
II control line.
1.0 N,e-SEQUENTIAL UNLOADING
This equation is valid for compressors with
0.9
constant geometry, stable gas composition and a surge
as limit that is linear in the above coordinates. This
0.7
equation is self compensating for inlet temperature
changes. Refer to the article for a detailed analysis
as of this equation.
0.5 Another equation widely used to calculate the
surge control line is:
0.4
0.3 A P A p
c 0
+ b = -n-- (3)
0.2 S
0.1 where:
p s is compressor suction pressure.
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 05 0702 0.9 1.0
More-complex equations are recommended for
compressors with variable guide vanes, for gases with
RELATIVE FLOW Quser/Qmax variable composition, or for compressors with irregular
surge limit lines. However these simple but widely
FIG. 5. SPECIFIC POWER CONSUMPTION useful surge control line equations will suffice for
OF TWO DIFFERENT COMPRESSORS this example.
THE "S CRITERIA" FOR MORE-EFFECTIVE STATION CONTROL The Equation of the S Criteria
Based on these surge control equations we shall
There are many possible algorithms for define S as follows:
simultaneous approach to the surge control lines.
Obviously, each algorithm depends on measuring the Pc
distance from the operating point to the surge control f +b
K A P c + b
line. Since compressors may differ in capacity and
S = or S - (4)
characterstics, the absolute distance of the operating °Po AP
o/ P s
point from the surge control line is not useful. We
recommend using a dimensionless number expressing the If S is less than 1, the operating point is in the
relative distance from the surge control line. This safe zone. The lower the value of S, the greater the
measurement technique will now be incorporated into a safe distance from the surge control line.
control algorithm. An S which is equal to 1 corresponds to a
The algorithm that will be described here we shall compressor operating point located just on the surge
call the "S Criteria". It is one possible method of control line.
improved control. The S Criteria was developed and
SPEED SPEED
GOVERNOR GOVERNOR
CO
I
LER MODULE MODULE
P ID COMPUTING COMPUTING
MODULE MODULE
4
I
r3 1(s - )+B 2 131(S-1)4-132
SET POINT SET POINT
ml
∎
r
& RELOCATION
m2
OF S.C.L. OF S.C.L.
I
L_ ms
L_
m4
r LOAD SHARING CONTROLLER
COMPUTING
MODULE
NS-1)-02
■•■■
COMPUTING
MODULE
ANTISURGE CONTROLLER
V
m4 OPEN LOOP SURGE DETECTION
PID PI ADAPTIVE & RELOCATION OF
SET POINT SURGE CONTROL
RESPONSE
LINE
m3
X s) • -• f2(s) X
Im4
_J _
m4
TO THE TO THE
SPEED ANTISURGE
GOVERNOR VALVE
will be much faster than the load-sharing controllers. conditions change. That is to say, any change in
Then, during changes in gas flow, the station pressure suction pressure, suction flow, temperature, or
will be controlled first and the load sharing molecular weight.
controller will divide the total compressor station Therefore, a simultaneous approach to the surge
flow between the compressors the optimum way. control line will require retuning of the controllers
This scheme achieves energy economy with excellent for optimum load distribution. This is a nearly
steady-state precision and dynamic precision. Since impossible task for an operator and no easy task for a
the compressors spend a minimum time on their surge computer.
control lines or speed limit lines, it adds to machine A second defect of these commonly used systems is
protection, especially since the number of starts and the interaction of the independent surge control loops
stops are minimized too. with the pressure control. The surge controller
The use of advanced antisurge controllers adds attempts to decrease discharge pressure and increase
significantly to the the machine protection. This inlet pressure ? while the pressure control system
control is self-compensating and needs no adjustment attempts to maintain discharge pressure. These are
over a very wide range for changes in inlet pressure, incompatible goals and the quality of one or more of
inlet temperature, or flow demand. It, therefore, lends the control loops is seriously affected. Oscillation
itself to improved automation. or "hunting" is likely to occur from time to time.
Manual control will be called for to stabilize the
OTHER STATION CONTROL STRATEGIES system.
PRIMARY
P ID
CONTROLLER
PI PI PI
1 Ps
PRIMARY
CONTROLLER
FROM K 1 K2
OPERATOR —1111" ANTISURGE ANTISURGE
Ki x + b1 K2x+b2
OR COMPUTERb l CONTROLLER CONTROLLER b2
TO THE
SPEED
GOVERNOR
TO THE
ANTISURGE
VALVE
TO THE
ANTISURGE
I TO THE
SPEED
VALVE GOVERNOR
10
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