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Effect of gas molecular weight on centrifugal

compressor performance
In this tip of the month (TOTM) we will present the results of several case studies showing the effect of gas
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molecular weight on the performance and efficiencies of centrifugal compressors. We have considered
several “what if” scenarios such as variation of compressor speed as a function of molecular weight, while
maintaining the same suction and discharge pressures and mass flow rate. Variation of polytropic head and Search
efficiencies as a function of gas molecular weight for a given compression ratio, and compressor speed has
also been studied. In addition, the impact of thermodynamic properties package has been studied.
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Compressors can be generally classified in two categories:
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1. Positive displacement; this type of compressor includes reciprocating, rotary screw, sliding vane, liquid ring
and rotary lobe. The compression principle is volumetric displacement – reducing the gas volume increases
pressure. Archives
2. Kinetic or Dynamic: this type of compressor includes centrifugal and axial compressors. The compression principle
is acceleration and deceleration of the gas – kinetic energy is converted to pressure rise.
October 2019
Reciprocating and centrifugal compressors are the most popular compressors used in E & P applications. Rotary screw
compressors are gaining in popularity in low to moderate pressure gas boosting service, refrigeration systems and fuel September 2019
gas compression for gas turbines. Further detail may be found in reference [1].
From a calculation viewpoint alone, the power calculation is particularly sensitive to the specification of flow rate, inlet August 2019
temperature and pressure, and outlet pressure. Gas composition is important but a small error here is less important
providing it does not involve the erroneous exclusion of corrosive components. A compressor is going to operate under
July 2019
varying values of the variables affecting its performance. Thus the most difficult part of a compressor calculation is June 2019
specification of a reasonable range for each variable and not the calculation itself. Maddox and Lilly [2] emphasize that
using a single value for each variable is not the correct way to evaluate a compression system. May 2019
Normally, the thermodynamic calculations are performed for an ideal (reversible process). The results of a reversible
process are then adapted to the real world through the use of an efficiency. In the compression process there are three
April 2019
ideal processes that can be visualized: 1) an isothermal process, 2) an isentropic process and 3) a polytropic process. Any March 2019
one of these processes can be suitably used as a basis for evaluating compression power requirement by either hand or
computer calculation. The isothermal process, however, is seldom used as a basis because the normal industrial February 2019
compression process is not even approximately carried out at constant temperature.
Due to practical limitation the compression ratio per stage is often in the range between 2 and 6. For large overall January 2019
compression ratio applications multistage compressors are used. The choice of the interstage pressure is an economic December 2018
decision and can be estimated by equal compression ratios for each section but may be adjusted to minimize total power
requirement. November 2018
In order to study the effect of feed gas molecular weight on the performance of centrifugal compressors, several computer
simulations using HYSYS [3] were performed. The gas mixtures with the composition shown in Table 1 with molecular October 2018
weights ranging from 18.2 to 23.17, corresponding to relative density of 0.63 to 0.80, respectively, were used in this study.
The characteristics curves for the centrifugal compressors used in this study are shown in Figures 1 and 2. These
September 2018
performance curves were supplied to the simulation software and used in the course of simulations. August 2018
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Case 1: Effect of Molecular Weight on Flow Rate for Fixed ?P (Constant Speed)
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For a fixed inlet pressure of 700 kPa, 35 °C, and 15000 RPM, the feed gas relative density was varied from 0.63 to 0.80
with an increment of 0.05. In order to maintain the outlet pressure, the feed flow rate has to vary. We are essentially fixing May 2017
P1 and P2 and wanting to see the effect on the compressor of varying molecular weight feed. The set up shown in Figure
3 was used to generate the simulation results. The simulation results for compression ratios of 2.0 and 2.5 are shown in April 2017
Figure 4. The PR EOS [4] is used for thermodynamic properties calculations.
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Figure 4 indicates that as the relative density decreased, the flow rate must decrease. Note, for the case of compression February 2015
ratio of 2.5, no convergence could be achieved for relative density of 0.63 and 0.65 due to the fact the surge limit had January 2015
been reached. For the same case, the required power as a function of relative density is shown in Figure 5. Since, the flow
rate decreased with decreasing relative density, the required power decreased. December 2014
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Finally, the variation of polytropic head as a function of inlet actual volumetric flow rate is shown in Figure 6. Note that the
relative densities are identified on this diagram to show their influence on the performance of the compressor. February 2014
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Case 2: Variable Speed
As in the case 1, for a fixed inlet pressure of 700 kPa, 35 °C, and mass flow rate of 1000 kmol/hr, the feed gas relative March 2009
density was varied from 0.63 to 0.80 with an increment of 0.05. In this case, the compressor is varying speed to maintain
flow rate at the P speed imposed on it. The schematic setup to generate simulation results is shown in Figure 7. The February 2009
simulation results for compression ratios of 2.0 and 2.5 are shown in Figures 8 and 9. In addition to the results by the PR January 2009
EOS, the results obtained by BWRS are shown on these diagrams. The difference between the results of these two EOS
for these cases is negligible. December 2008
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As shown in Figure 8, as the relative density increases, the compressor speed dropped. However, as relative density or
molecular weight increased, the required power increased, see Figure 9.
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As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the polytropic efficiency and head decrease with relative density. More detail of simulation
results can be found in Reference [5]. Free Subscription

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Conclusions
The impact of relative density (molecular weight) on the performance of a centrifugal compressor was studied by
performing a series of computer simulations. Based on the simulation results, it is found that:

1. For the same feed condition, compression ratio, compressor speed, the flow rates must decrease as the relative
density decreases, and will eventually approach a surge condition.
2. For the same feed condition, compression ratio, compressor speed, as the relative density increases, the flow rate
increases which results in more power consumption.
 3. For the same feed condition and rate, and compression ratio, the compressor speed decreases with molecular
weight but as expected, the power requirement increases.
4. The PR EOS and BWRS EOS produced the same simulation results

To learn more about similar cases and how to minimize operational problems, we suggest attending our ME44 (Overview
of Pumps and Compressors in Oil and Gas Facilities), ME46 (Compressor Systems – Mechanical Design and
Specification), G4 (Gas Conditioning and Processing) and G5 (Gas Conditioning and Processing – Special)
courses.

By: Dr. Mahmood Moshfeghian

Reference:

Campbell, J. M., “Gas Conditioning and Processing, Vol. 2, the Equipment Modules, 8th Ed., Campbell Petroleum
Series, Norman, Oklahoma, 2001
Maddox, R. N. and L. L. Lilly, “Gas conditioning and processing, Volume 3: Advanced Techniques and
Applications,” John M. Campbell and Company, 2nd Ed., Norman, Oklahoma, USA, 1990.
ASPENone, Engineering Suite, HYSYS Version 2006, Aspen Technology, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts U.S.A.,
2006.
Peng, Y. D., Robinson, D. B., “A New Two-Constant Equation of State,” Ind. Eng. Chem. Fund., 15, 59, 1976
Moshfeghian, M., Bothamley, M., and Lilly, L.L., “Feed gas molecular weight affects performance of centrifugal
efficiency,” Oil and Gas J., May 10, 2008

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Posted on November 1, 2008 at 8:50 pm

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Written by Dr. Mahmood Moshfeghian

DR. MAHMOOD MOSHFEGHIAN is a Senior Technical Advisor and Senior Instructor. He is the author of most Tips of the
Month and develops technical software for PetroSkills. He has 40 years teaching experience in universities as well as for
oil and gas industries. Dr. Moshfeghian joined JMC in 1990 as a part time consultant and then as full time
instructor/consultant in 2005. Moshfeghian was Professor of Chemical Engineering at Shiraz University. Dr. Moshfeghian
is a senior member of AIChE and has published more than 125 technical papers on thermodynamic properties and
Process Engineering. Dr. Moshfeghian has presented invited papers in international conferences. He is a member of the
Editorial Board for the International Journal of Oil, Gas, and Coal Technology and a member of the GPSA Technical
Committee Group F. He holds B.S. (74), M.S. (75) and and PhD (78) degrees in Chemical Engineering, all from Oklahoma
State University.

View all posts by: Dr. Mahmood Moshfeghian

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35 responses to “Effect of gas molecular weight on centrifugal compressor

performance”
1. R. DEEPAK says:
April 7, 2011 at 6:50 am

Dear Sir,
Thank you very much for this article.

We have high stage sour gas injection compressors (Reciprocating Type)( 4stages ) . Could you please advise
what will happen if the molecular weight change on reciprocating type compressors? Because the compressor is
designed for 20.62 MMSCFD with a design MW of 29 and design suction pressure of 355 psig. But now we are
operating at a suction pressure of 310 psig and molecular weight of 24 and the capacity is only 16 MMSCFD.

We don’t know whether the reciprocating compressor capacity is decreased by decrease in gas MW or decrease in
suction pressure?

Please advise your comments.

Thanks and regards

R. DEEPAK
Process Engineer
PM Department
Abu Dhabi Oil Co. Ltd., ( Japan )
Abu Dhabi

TEL: +9712-6087461
Mobile:+971508189769

2. Abhimanyu Dagla says:

May 8, 2012 at 11:54 pm

Dear Deepak,
a positive displacement compressor is insensitive to gas composition changes and system resistance. therefore
there should not be any decrease in throughput of the compressor.

3. Abhimanyu Dagla says:

May 14, 2012 at 2:19 am

So the decrease in throughput may be due to some internal mechanical problem like:-
1. Valve losses
2.Piston ring leakages
 3.Packing leakage.
4.’Dead Volume”.
5. Less RPM of compressor.

Regards
Abhimanyu Dagla
Production Engineer
ONGC India

4. Abhimanyu Dagla says:

May 17, 2012 at 8:44 am

In addition, the suction pressure is also less, which will result in high compression ratio, and lower volumetric
efficiency, and thus lower throughput.
You can contact me with the complete details of your recip compressor.
it includes
1. design conditions- pressures/temperatures, efficiency, compression exponent/flow rate/ BHP
2. operating conditions- pressures/temperatures, efficiency/compression exponent/flow rate/BHP.

Abhimanyu Dagla
Production Engineer
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, India.

5. Abhimanyu Dagla says:

July 27, 2012 at 8:09 pm

And, lastly, you can consider changing orifice plate because the molecular weight has been changed. Less the
Molecular weight, less will be the pressure drop across orifice, and vice versa.
regards

Abhimanyu Dagla
Production Engineer
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, India.

6. Jon Cloy says:

August 30, 2012 at 11:30 pm

Dear Abhimanyu,
On a scale of 0-10…with 10 being most valuable, please confirm the value of providing real time density
information to improve the performance efficiency of axial and centrifugal compressors in Hydrocarbon Gas
service. Also, the concept of providing real time heating value information for turbines in service, where the heating
value of the fuel varies.
If there is promise here, I am interested in pursuing the evaluation and measurement of this concept. The
technology would be non-intrusive. I am an independant consultant who works with the Oil & Gas industry.
Please respond and thanks for your expertise.

Jon Cloy
Houston, TX

7. Lionel S says:
September 17, 2012 at 7:45 am
 Item 4/ of the conclusion:
How is it possible to assume a constant feed condition (composition?) and an increase in molecular weight?

8. Lionel S says:
September 25, 2012 at 8:36 pm

Please don’t consider my previous comment (please delete it).

Another point is that, depending on the suction pressure control scheme, the number of mole can actually
decrease as the molecular weight (relative density) increases.
This is explained in “A Working Guide to Process Equipment” by Norman Lieberman.

9. shankar sharma says:

March 20, 2013 at 2:50 am

dearsir
what is effect of high molucalar weight of gas on compresser power consuption and it can be controlled

10. Hersi says:

June 7, 2013 at 7:27 am

Probably, a higher MW will be assosiated with a higher head generation and higher power consuption?

11. Saleh Al Harethi says:

June 13, 2013 at 6:30 am

“3 -For the same feed condition and rate, and compression ratio, the compressor speed decreases with molecular
weight but as expected, the power requirement increases.”

Vendor compressor curves show that for same actual flow and same head, the required speed is reduced as the
moleculare weight increases. For lower molecular weight, the required speed is increased. For both cases, the
power requirement remains almost not changed.

Saleh Al Harethi says:

February 18, 2014 at 1:13 am

“3 -For the same feed condition and rate, and compression ratio, the compressor speed decreases with
molecular weight but as expected, the power requirement increases.”

The above statement is inline with updated vendor’s curves.

Thanks for the informative TOM.

12. Suhas Lonakadi says:

August 6, 2013 at 6:02 am

Dear Sir,

Thanks for the informative literature.

I would like to have more specific data on how the surge limit / capacity is affected by the change in molecular
weight. We have a compressor application under commissioning where the mol weight will be 21 at start of plant
and gradually over a period of one week, the mol weight will reduce to the specified value of 17. The permanent
operation of compressor will be with mol weight as 17.
 In such case, I am interested in knowing how the surge line should be drawn during site test – whether based on
21 or on 17. Which will be safer? What would be the method for commissioning such a service?

Request you to review and advise with your comment.

thanks and regards,

Suhas Lonakadi

kind regards,

13. Ed Mcgraw says:

November 12, 2013 at 5:16 am

When choosing a mechanic, ask if they’ve worked on your model of car before. If the mechanic says they have,
then they are likely aware of just what repairs need to performed in order to have your car operating well again.

14. Dilip says:

February 25, 2014 at 6:51 am

As I read article above, question is if a centrifugal compr is designed for 17 MW gas of say 60000 lb/hr rate, for a
DP of 45 psi, should it be able to process gas of same rate at MW of 30 with same DP? Will efficiency, stagewise
compression ratio etc remain same? Tell me what you can. thanks

Ali Ahmad says:

January 4, 2015 at 6:21 am

With fixed inlet condition,suction pressure, temperature and fixed outlet pressure, with only change in
molecular weight of feed (feed composition) the change is power is like, if molecular weight is increasing
then power requirement will be decreasing.
Is it right, if not than explain, please.

15. waleed says:

March 2, 2014 at 2:27 pm

what is the effect of inlet gas density variation on the thrust load of centrifugal compressor

16. Darryl Cerrito says:

April 18, 2014 at 6:51 am

Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m
not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same
results.

17. Diane says:

September 21, 2014 at 6:00 am

Thanks in favor of sharing such a good opinion, pareagraph is nice, thats why i
have read it entirely

18. Devon Nye says:

September 26, 2014 at 7:14 am
 You’ve got a great blog here! would you like to create some invite posts on my blog?

19. Valentine says:

October 9, 2014 at 12:28 am

I will like to know how, Using a positive displacement reciprocating compression, how the entire process of its
operations can be establish using the appreciation and understanding of thermodynamic

20. Bhargav says:

March 16, 2015 at 2:08 pm

Sir,
I want to calculate the minimum molecular weight at which the compressor can run without surging.
It would be very helpful if you suggest any material where i can find the way to calculate it

Regards
Y Bhargav Ram

21. Abhisheik Tripathi says:

September 10, 2015 at 2:56 pm

Sir,
in the introduction to case 2, you have used the term mass flow as 1000 kmol/h. That should instead be termed as
molar flow. This is necessary because though molar flow may remain the same, mass flow through the compressor
will vary with molecular weight and using the terms interchangeably will lead to confusion.
It is also for this reason only that the compressor power increases with molecular weight, even after reduction in
speed, as the mass flow through the compressor increases.

22. Don Kaminsky says:

April 20, 2016 at 6:08 pm

Everyone loves what you guys are up too. This kind of clever work and exposure! Keep up the superb works guys
I’ve incorporated you guys to blogroll.

23. Sam says:

April 26, 2016 at 4:34 pm

I have an important question about consumed power in compressor, I read in this article that the mentioned power
increases with molecular weight i.e higher molecular weight needs higher power, but when I tried different
composition in Hysys, I found that higher molecular weight needs lower power. Of course with the same feed
conditions (pressure and temperature) and same molar flow rate.
Are my calculations right or not, and please explain the reason of any result.
I know that mass flow rate will increase with molecular weight, yet I have noticed that the consumed power in
compressor depends on volume flow rate not mass flow rate.
If somebody helps me in this issue, I will appreciate it so much.
Best Regards,

24. Cheap Private Proxies says:

June 20, 2016 at 5:12 pm

I’m curious to find out what blog platform you have been utilizing? I’m experiencing some small security issues with
my latest blog and I’d like to find something more safe. Do you have any recommendations?
25. Anjanette Reever says:
July 28, 2016 at 12:27 pm

I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the layout of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got
to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an
awful lot of text for only having 1 or two images. Maybe you could space it out better?

26. Faisal Ali Khan says:

November 5, 2016 at 7:49 am

We have Steam turbine driven CO2 centrifugal compressor 2 casings (LP/HP) with 2 stages in each Casing.
Recently abnormal decrease in 3rd stage (HP) discharge temperature observed with increase in pressure. Temp
reduced from 180 deg C to 140 deg C and pressure increased to 6 bar g.
Correspondence with OEM indicated that Labyrinth seal between 3rd and 4th stage might have damaged which is
causing low temp (40 deg C) 4th stage suction gas to mix with 3rd stage discharge gas. There is a cooler between
3rd stage discharge and 4th stage suction. Also pressure increase is occurring due to mixing of cold gas. We have
also noticed low through put from the compressor, means some thing has happened.
I have few queries regarding understanding of this theory and need your expert opinion.
1) Is it possible for 4th stage gas to travel back to 3rd stage through damaged labyrinth, when pressure of 4th
stage will be slightly lower due to piping/cooler pressure drop?
2) Even is gas travelling from 4th to 3rd stage suction, it is mixing after the impeller tip. Will discharge pressure of
3rd stage increase when gas is travelling through diaphragm?
3) Is there any other cause of decreasing the 3rd stage discharge temp and increase of pressure?

In past we have faced issues with scaling inside this HP casing between stages, due to process issues.

Need your urgent and kind reply so that proper actions can be taken.

Thanks and Best regards,

27. Shekhar Azad says:

November 10, 2016 at 10:46 pm

Dear Sir,
Thanks for wonderful article.
I have a query regarding our Centrifugal compressor. What will be the effect of specif gravity of gas in flow. For
example if I achieved 175000 Nm3 of flow with S.g. of 0.95 what will be the minimum flow with s.g. of 0.54
considering the suction and discharge pressure is same.

28. Shekhar Azad says:

November 10, 2016 at 10:48 pm

Dear Sir,
Thanks for wonderful article.
I have a query regarding our Centrifugal compressor. What will be the effect of specif gravity of gas in flow. For
example if I achieved 175000 Nm3 of flow with S.g. of 0.95 what will be the minimum flow with s.g. of 0.54
considering the suction and discharge pressure is same. Would we get more flow with less s.g.??

29. ali says:

July 4, 2017 at 1:44 am
 hi
i’ve got a question, can anybody please answer?
for a given compressor we can use affinity law with current head-flow chart to obtain new chart in different rpm, but
my question is this: how would rpm change polytropic efficiency? is there any non-dimensional number like the
ones that we use in affinity law? the author of this article draw isentropic efficiency-flow rate for different speeds,
but as the chart shows here the peak efficiency is unchanged and here is the most important part. should not the
peak efficiency change?

30. Agni Teja Kompella says:

August 26, 2017 at 1:56 pm

Sir,
My Questions
1. If the centrifugal compressor is measured in Kg/hr instead of mol/hr. On what reason compressor load is
increasing, is it because of increase in mass flow/volume flow.

2.Please explain what is “as expected ” implies in the following conclusion

‘For the same feed condition and rate, and compression ratio, the compressor speed decreases with molecular
weight but as expected, the power requirement increases.’

Thank You in advance

31. Agni Teja says:

August 26, 2017 at 1:57 pm

Sir,
My Questions
1. If the centrifugal compressor is measured in Kg/hr instead of mol/hr. On what reason compressor load is
increasing, is it because of increase in mass flow/volume flow.

2.Please explain what is “as expected ” implies in the following conclusion

‘For the same feed condition and rate, and compression ratio, the compressor speed decreases with molecular
weight but as expected, the power requirement increases.’

Thank You in advance

32. Indunil says:

April 15, 2018 at 12:54 pm

Dear sir,
Thank you for your articles.
I am a beginner and I want to know the behavior of temp. and pressure at equal conditions of sour gas (h2s+co2)
and sweet gas(methane, ethane etc) when compressing to 4600psi.

33. ashishkumar dhamecha says:

May 26, 2018 at 4:47 am

what happen if suction temperature increase where all suction pressure ,pressure ratio,feed composition are
same?
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