Anti-Surge

General Training
Training Agenda
• Introduction
• Anti-Surge Control
• Process Control
• Computer Operator Screens
• Anti-Surge Surge Line Definition
• Configuration
• Setpoints
• Question and Comments
Typical Single Loop Anti-Surge Control
System Motor Drive
Gas Cooler

• Cools Discharge Gas to Inlet Temperature

• Needed on Extended Recycle to Prevent
Compressor for Overheating
• For refrigeration compressors, can be
accomplished by Flashing Liquid into the
Recycle Line (Quenching)
Required Loops
• General rule is to have a control loop (Flow element
and valve) to protect each compressor section
• If no knockout drum exist between section of an
intercooled compressor one flow element and valve
may be sufficient
• Side stream units normally require a recycle valve for
each section. Enough flow elements are required
such that flow to each section can be determined.
Very small side streams can sometime be neglected
Process or Capacity
Control Loops
• The process control loop is separate form the Anti-Surge Control
loop. The process control loop is typically used to control
suction pressure, discharge pressure, or process flow.
• Suction pressure control is the most common. On motor drive
units, suction pressure is controlled by manipulation of a valve
in the compressor suction line. On variable speed drive units,
suction pressure is controlled by manipulation of the driver
speed.
• On axial compressors flow is typically the control variable. The
compressor guide vanes are manipulated to maintain the
required flow to the process.
Elliott Anti-Surge Operation
Actual Control Line

• 5-10 % Flow above Surge Line

• Follows Shape of Surge Line
• Initial Setting After Factory Test
• Final Setting During Start-UP
• Includes Adaptive Tuning
Variable Control Line
• Tracks Operating Point –i.e. 50% between ACL
and Operating Point
• Tracks at Moderate Rate
• No Effect if Operating Point Moves Slow
• Opens Valve if Operation Point Over Takes VCL
• Permits Stable Tuning of ACL
Adaptive Tuning

• Effective When Operating Point Moves to

Left of ACL
• Gain Increases to Left of ACL
• Permits Stable Tuning on ACL
Surge Detection Methods

• Flow Signal Only

• Discharge Pressure Signal Only
• Flow Signal or Discharge Pressure Signal
• Flow Signal and Discharge Pressure Signal
Compressor Performance Map
Compressor Surge Map
Surge Control Set points

• Control Margin
• Adaptive Increment
• Anti-Surge Valve Reset Time
• Tuning Constants
• Surge Line Gain Multiplier
• VCL Time Constant
• AO Stroking Time
Field setup and Verification

• Calibrate all field instruments

• Verify surge line at site