Contents

 Purpose
 Overview
 Compressor
 Components
 Auxiliaries
 Job Requirements
 Key Points
 API 617 Essentials
Purpose
 To compress gas from a lower pressure to a higher
pressure
 Used in many applications:
 Fertilizers – Ammonia Syn Gas, Urea Synthesis
 Ethylene – Charge Gas, Refrigeration Gas
 Refineries – Recycle, Cracked Gas
 Natural Gas – LNG (propane, refrigerant), Gas Lift, Gas
Reinjection
Overview - Compressor
 Dynamic compressor
 Basic principles
 Centrifugal action
Overview – Compressor
 Energy Conversion

P4,V4,T4
P5,V1,T5
P3,V1,T3

P5,V1,T5
P2,V4,T2

P1,V1,T1

P3,V1,T3
Overview – Compressor
 Application Parameters
 Gases - All Types of Gases
 Speed - 3,500 to 26,500 RPM
 Pressure – Up to 1,000 bar
 Flow Range – 1,000 to 300,000 m3/hr
 Number of Stages - 1 to 10 Impellers
 Natural gas – pressure ratio up to 2 per stage
Overview – Compressor
 Type of compressor
 Single stage
 Booster application
Overview – Compressor
 Multistage
 Axially (Horizontally) split
Radially Split
 Radially (Vertically) split

Axially Split
Overview - Compressor
 Horizontal split or vertically split
 Horizontal < 60 barg
 Per API 617, radially split if partial pressure of Hydrogen
at MAWP >1380 kpag or 200 psig.
Overview - Compressor
 Multistage types:
 In-line
 Back-to-back
Overview - Compressor
 Multistage types (continued):
 Compound / Side-stream
 Double flow
Overview - Components
Overview - Components
Overview – Inlet Volute
Overview - Impeller
Overview - Impeller
Overview - Diaphragm
Overview – Stage and Diffuser
Overview – Discharge Volute
Overview – Rotor
Overview – Rotor
Overview – Stator
Overview – Assembly
Overview – Assembly
Job requirement
 Process data
 Inlet pressure, temperature
 Gas compositions (each stage)
 Discharge pressure
 Flow (mass or volume)
 Driver compatibility
 Variable speed (GT, ST, VFD)
 Fixed Speed (EM)
Job requirement
 Scope of supply – incl. equipment & test reqmt
 Major equipment
 Auxiliaries
 Spares
 Tests
 Installation & Commissioning
 Layout, footprint and weight
 Materials
Job requirement
 Compressor selection / flexibility
 Operating range
 Sparing/operation philosophy
 Re-bundling option
 Rotordynamics
 Avoid unwanted incidence – high vibration, short
lifecycle
 Vendor’s standard
Job requirement
 Compliance to specs & int’l standards
 Project spec
 API 617, 614, 616, 612, 670, 613
 Cost
 Base price
 Optional
Key points to consider
 Multiple process conditions
 Power / Efficiency
 Stages
 Turndown capabilities
 Utility consumption (dry gas seal, lube oil, utility)
 Scope of supply
 Auxiliaries
 Test requirement
 Specifications & Standards
Key points to consider
 Tests
 Performed tests at plant
 Hydrostatic test on casing
 Impeller overspeed test
 Mechanical run test – continuous running
 Optional
 Helium leak test
 Performance test – meet contract requirement (PTC 10)
 String test
API 617 Essentials
 API-617 7TH.pdf
 Performance map (pg 92)
 Rated point – operating condition @ 100% speed,
highest capacity
 Normal point – optimum efficiency expected, certified
point
 MAWP – RV setting or 1.25 x max discharge pressure
 Std vs Normal volume – 15°C@atm vs 0°C@atm
 MCOS – 105% for variable speed or 100% for motor