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Capacity Control

This document discusses different methods for controlling the capacity of centrifugal compressors, including speed control, suction throttling, and variable inlet guide vanes. Speed control is the most widely used method and offers a wide control range through variable speed electric motors or gas/steam turbines, though it is more expensive. Suction throttling provides reasonable control through reducing inlet pressure but risks surge. Variable inlet guide vanes precisely control capacity with little efficiency loss but are only suitable for single-stage compressors without fouling conditions.

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53 views15 pages

Capacity Control

This document discusses different methods for controlling the capacity of centrifugal compressors, including speed control, suction throttling, and variable inlet guide vanes. Speed control is the most widely used method and offers a wide control range through variable speed electric motors or gas/steam turbines, though it is more expensive. Suction throttling provides reasonable control through reducing inlet pressure but risks surge. Variable inlet guide vanes precisely control capacity with little efficiency loss but are only suitable for single-stage compressors without fouling conditions.

Uploaded by

artm4038
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Capacity Control of

Centrifugal Compressor

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It is used for the following reasons:
1. Process flow control.
2. fuel/power efficiency.
3. Pressure regulation.
Capacity can be changed in several ways:
1. Speed control.
2. Suction throttling.
3. Variable inlet guide vane.
1. Speed control
• It is the most widely used.
• Gas turbines and steam turbines were among the best
options that offered energy-efficient throughput
variation.
• Both driver types allow speed control over a fairly
wide operating range.
• Also electric variable speed motors offers a
continuation to the speed control practice.
• Variable frequency drive motors have joined turbines
as a viable option.
1. Speed control
1. Speed control
1. Speed control
• Variable speed electric motor drivers are produced in
sizes up to, and even exceeding, 100 MW.
• They offer similar flexibility and part-load efficiency
as gas and steam turbines.
• The trend is toward more variable speed drive motor
applications because of the simplicity and relative
cleanliness of these installations.
• Also, variable speed electric motors tend to require
less maintenance than other variable speed drives.
2. Suction throttling

• It represents another capacity turn- down option.


• This is mainly achieved by reducing the inlet
pressure, which in turn reduces weight flow and,
therefore, reduces power demand.
• As with the other options, precautions must be taken
to keep the compressor away from surge.
Pressure rise Surge line
P Closing the valve

∆P
Choke limit

Q part load Flow rate Q


3. Variable Inlet Guide Vane (IGV)
• The movable inlet guide vane adds pre-whirl to the
gas stream entering the impeller, which in turn,
reduces the axial component of the absolute velocity,
which controls the capacity to the impeller.
m · = ρ * A * C1
• By modifying the inlet whirl component, the capacity
is reduced with little loss in efficient.
3. Variable Inlet Guide Vane
• It is more efficient than the previous method, which
can be adjusted over a wider range
• The largest problem with the use of movable inlet
guide vanes is the danger of the vanes. Obviously, the
vanes are not suitable for dirty or fouling gas service.
• It would be most effective on single stage
compressors.
• It can be used on multi-stage compressors, but it can
only be installed in front of the first impeller. If the
compressor has a complex arrangement, the concept
is not practical.
A dvantage & Disadvantage
 Speed control
• Wide control range.
• Expensive.
 Suction throttling
• Reasonable control range.
• low cost.
 Inlet guide vane control
• Little loss in efficiency.
• Suitable only for single stage or few stage compressors.
• Not suitable for dirty or fouling service.
R eference
• Compressor and modern process application
• Compressors selection and sizing , 3rd Edition
• Compressor handbook

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