Abstract:
A system and method are provided for detecting an impending stall or surge in a radial compressor. The system and method may include a plurality of detection devices configured to detect a transition of a low momentum zone of a gas flow through the diffuser from a first position adjacent a shroud wall of the diffuser to a second position adjacent a hub wall of the diffuser. The system and method may also include a control system electrically coupled to the plurality of detection devices and configured to receive a plurality of information signals. Each information signal may be transmitted by a respective one of the plurality of detection devices and may correlate to a location of the low momentum zone. The control system may be configured to process the plurality of information signals and detect the impending stall or surge based on the location of the low momentum zone.
Abstract:
A system and method are provided for detecting an impending stall or surge in a radial compressor. The system and method may include a plurality of detection devices configured to detect a transition of a low momentum zone of a gas flow through the diffuser from a first position adjacent a shroud wall of the diffuser to a second position adjacent a hub wall of the diffuser. The system and method may also include a control system electrically coupled to the plurality of detection devices and configured to receive a plurality of information signals. Each information signal may be transmitted by a respective one of the plurality of detection devices and may correlate to a location of the low momentum zone. The control system may be configured to process the plurality of information signals and detect the impending stall or surge based on the location of the low momentum zone.
Abstract:
Compressors achieve in a single stage a high-pressure ratio (r) of greater than or equal to 2.5:1 on a process fluid having a molecular weight of 12-20, such as natural gas. Two or more of the compressor stages are combined serially to increase overall pressure ratio. Each single-stage includes respective inlet and outlet passages and an unshrouded, centrifugal impeller that includes a plurality of impeller blades. Process fluid is discharged from trailing edges of the impeller blades at a rotational velocity greater than or equal to 1400 feet/second into a diffuser passage of the outlet. Dimension ranges of the annular diffuser passage, the centrifugal impeller, and the diffuser vanes vary as a function of pressure ratio (r) and/or the flow coefficient (φ) of the process fluid flowing between the inlet and the outlet.
Abstract:
A compressor may include a casing defining a discharge cavity and a seal cavity. A rotary shaft may be disposed in the casing, and a shaft seal assembly may be disposed in the seal cavity and about the rotary shaft. An impeller may be coupled with and configured to be driven by the rotary shaft. A balance piston may be integral with the impeller and may define the discharge cavity and the seal cavity. A balance piston seal may be disposed about the balance piston such that the balance piston seal and the balance piston define a radial clearance therebetween. The radial clearance may be configured to provide fluid communication from the impeller to the discharge cavity. A heat shield may be disposed in the discharge cavity, and may be configured to prevent the conduction of heat from the discharge cavity to the seal cavity via the casing.