How To Read A Centrifugal Compressor Performance Curve

In the article, we will discuss how to read a centrifugal Compressor Performance Curve.
If you are new to the compressor, this article will definitely make yourself familiar with the
centrifugal compressor performance curve. If you already know about the centrifugal
compressor performance curve, definitely this article will refresh your knowledge. Now let
we see the performance curve.

The centrifugal compressor performance curve consisting of the following three important
curves

 Differential Pressure (or some cases Polytrophic Head) Vs Inlet Flow rate
 Brake Power Vs Inlet Flow rate
 Efficiency Vs Inlet Flow rate

Differential Pressure Vs Inlet flow rate

In this curve, the differential pressure is on the vertical axis and Inlet Flow rate is on the
horizontal axis. With an increase in compressor inlet flow rate, the head developed by the
centrifugal compressor start decreases. The compressor develops maximum differential
pressure (head) is called Surge (3A). The flow and pressure corresponding to the surge
point are called surge flow and surge pressure.

When the inlet flow rate is increased to the right (Refer below curve), the differential
pressure (head) keep on decreases up to a maximum flow rate. It is called as “Stonewall
point” or “Stall Point”. This is maximum operation range of a centrifugal compressor
recommended by the compressor manufacturer.

The inlet flow rate and differential pressure (head) are related to each other, one cannot
be changed without varying the other parameter. The relationship between inlet flow rate
and differential pressure (head) is locked until wear or increased shaft seal clearance of
the centrifugal compressor.

Brake Power Vs Inlet Flow Rate

In this curve, the Break power is on the vertical axis and Inlet Flow rate is on the horizontal
axis (Refer below performance curve). As we seen from the curve, the brake power does
not start from zero, the minimum power represents in the curve is to overcome the
frictional losses and centrifugal compressor inertia.

From this curve, the required brake power is obtained from the corresponding inlet flow
rate.
Efficiency Vs Inlet Flow Rate

As we seen from the performance curve, the efficiency curve is raising as the flow rate
increase. Then the curve reaches the maximum point and starts decreasing. The
maximum point is called Best Efficiency Point (BEP). It is always preferred to run the
centrifugal compressor at the best efficiency point (BEP), but in the practical case, we are
not able to match the required centrifugal compressor operating point with compressor
BEP.

If the centrifugal compressors run at or near to BEP, not only we get higher efficiency and
also the less vibration of the compressor.

How to read a Centrifugal Compressor Performance Curve?

Now we will various curves and point so check in the centrifugal compressor performance
curve.

Consider a centrifugal compressor with

Rated Flow rate – 66000 kg/hr

Suction Pressure – 10 bar

Discharge Pressure – 65 bar

Differential Pressure – 55 bar

Operating Point

The Red Colour-mark represents the operating point of the centrifugal compressor. The
correspond flow is called operating flow and the corresponding discharge pressure is
called “Operating Discharge Pressure”. As per our example, the operating flow is
66000kg/hr and discharge pressure is 65 bar.
Sometimes the compressor manufacturer will provide polytropic head or differential
pressure instead of the discharge pressure. The below formula is used to calculate the
polytropic head.

Speed

As we seen from the performance curve, the Flow rate Vs Discharge Pressure curves for
corresponding speed. (Ie., for various speed of the compressor the flow rate Vs Discharge
pressure curves change accordingly)

As per the curve, the point (1) represent the 100% speed (also called rated speed) of the
curve and the point (1A) represent the maximum continuous speed of the compressor. In
this case, the maximum speed is 105% of the rated speed.

Stall or Stone Wall Point

The maximum flow developed by the centrifugal compressor is called Stall or Stonewall
Point (2). Below this point, the compressor is aerodynamically unstable.

Surge

The surge is the minimum flow in the centrifugal compressor, below with momentary
reversal of rotor is occur. The in performance curve the surge is represented by the point
(3).

In order to avoid the compressor surge, an anti-surge system is used. As per the curve,
the Anti-surge line is represented as (3A). Normally the Anti-surge line is considered at
10% higher than the surge flow.

In process compressor, the compressor is operating at various cases. We need to ensure

that in all the cases the operating point will never fall in the region of the anti-surge line.

Efficiency:

The operating flow of the centrifugal compressor intersect at the efficiency curve, the
corresponding efficiency in the Y-axis is called “Operating Efficiency” of the compressor.
Refer the curve it is represented as the point (4).

As we seen the efficiency curve, the curve starts rising and reach a maximum point and
then starts decreasing with increase in flow rate.

The maximum point of the efficiency curve is called “Best Efficiency Point (BEP)”. In the
curve, it is represented as the point (4A).
Brake Power:

The brake power or rated power of the pump is power required run the compressor to
deliver the rated/normal operating flow at the rated/normal operating discharge pressure
or head.

As per the curve, the normal operating flow of the centrifugal compressor intersect at the
Brake power curve and corresponding power in the Y-axis is called “Normal brake power
of the compressor”. In the curve, it is represented as the point (5).

In the current example, the brake power is 3000 kW.

The power corresponding to the “End of curve” in the brake power curve is represented
as point (5A) in the Curve. Based on the brake power required, motor kilowatt or hp will
be selected.

If the compressor is driven by a steam turbine, then steam turbine is sized for the 110%
of the maximum power required for the complete compressor train.

Turndown:

It is the percentage of change in capacity between the Rated-Capacity and the surge
point capacity at the Rated-Head when the unit is operating at Rated-Suction
Temperature and gas composition. Refer below the figure for turndown representation.
Conclusion:

As discussed, please remember the below-mentioned points to be check in centrifugal

compressor performance curve for the proper selection of Centrifugal Compressor.

1. Normal Operating / Rated Flow

2. Normal Operating / Rated Head
3. Speed of the Compressor
4. IGV opening (if IGV will use for flow control, then IGV full close represent the minimum flow
of compressor and IGV full open (100%) represent the maximum flow to the compressor )
5. Surge flow & Anti-surge limit
6. Efficiency
7. Compressor brake power
8. End of Curve power
9. Turn down capacity