Is it harmful for turbines and compressors to operate at speeds below their nominal operating speed?
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Can operating a turbine or compressor at a speed lower than the minimum operating speed specified by the manufacturer but higher than the critical speed cause damage to the equipment?
Does this so-called minimum speed refer to being greater than the minimum adjustable value, or higher than the critical speed but lower than the minimum adjustable speed? If it is above the minimum adjustable speed, there is no problem with long-term operation; just be careful to avoid surge. If the speed is above the critical speed but below the minimum adjustable speed, the anti-surge valve remains fully open, and the outlet temperature of the compressor will be somewhat higher; as long as the temperature does not exceed the limit, there is no major problem. It is not recommended to operate for extended periods below the minimum adjustable speed.
The minimum operating speed should be the lowest adjustable speed you mentioned, right?
If the critical speed is exceeded and operation continues for an extended period during high-speed warm-up, this so-called extended period is relative to the time required for high-speed warm-up. For example, if the high-speed warm-up takes 30 minutes, operating for 1 hour or even 1.5 hours will have different effects on units with different operating procedures. For example, a compressor that only increases pressure should not cause a shutdown. If it is a closed-cycle refrigerator, it is likely unable to operate for long periods, as the anti-surge valve will be fully open, the outlet temperature may rise above the limit, and the pressure will become excessive. Besides, it’s also impossible for the crew to deliberately operate the unit at a speed lower than the minimum adjustable speed for a day or two.