Centrifugal Compressor Mechanical Running

Test
The mechanical running test is performed after Aerodynamic performance test. In the
mechanical running test, we are testing mechanical operation of the compressor. The
test shall be done based on approved test procedure.

The centrifugal comressor testing procedure or approved datasheet shall be used for
acceptance criteria. The test starts with minimum speed almost at 1000 rpm to identify
any abnormal issue and then increased to 100 % of MCS (maximum continuous
speed) at the rate increment of 10%.

For example, if the rotor speed (MCS) is 12000 rpm, in the first stage the rotor speed
is brought to 1200 rpm and then stays at this speed for a while and then is increased
to the 2400 rpm, and this process continues until reaches to 12000 rpm.

For example, if the rotor speed (MCS) is 12000 rpm, in the first stage the rotor speed
is brought to 1200 rpm and then stays at this speed for a while and then is increased
to the 2400 rpm, and this process continues until reaches to 12000 rpm.

Subsequently, the rotor speed shall be increased to the trip speed and run for 15 min.
The trip speed is 115% of MCS speed, and MCS speed is the highest rotor speed
which designed and tested and capable of continuous operation.

After this 15 min, the rotor speed is reduced to the 100 MCS and compressor runs for
4 hours. When the compressor reached to MCS speed shall run for 30 minutes to get
all variables such as oil temperature, pressure, bearing metal temperature and
vibration levels stabilized.
fter stabilization, the test technician starts the collection of measurements in each 10
or 15 minutes. At the end of the test, the mechanical running test result is provided in
the tabulated format.

The bearing metal temperature, lube oil temperature and pressure, seal oil
temperature and pressure, cooling water temperature and pressure, bearing housing
vibration, shaft vibration, and power consumption are the parameters that are
measured in the mechanical running test.