Operation with excessively high inlet pressure in the reciprocating machine
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Operation with excessively high inlet pressure on reciprocating compressors: Dear colleagues, the liquefied gas unloading compressor is of reciprocating double-acting type, model ZW-4.0/10-16. The required inlet pressure is 0.8–1.0 MPa, while the corresponding outlet pressure should not exceed 1.6 MPa. However, when unloading the liquefied gas tank truck, both the pressure inside the tank and the pressure in the spherical tank at the gas inlet were 1.15 MPa, exceeding the design specifications. To complete unloading and ensure that the safety valve of the tank truck does not experience overpressure (set pressure at 1.61 MPa), the procedure is as follows: open the compressor inlet valve by 3–4 turns, keep the outlet valve fully open, and open the return valve to an appropriate degree. Adjust the inlet valve and return valve using the outlet pressure gauge as a reference, gradually closing the return valve and opening the inlet valve. 8 trucks have been unloaded, and no obvious abnormalities have been observed in the operation of the machinery so far. Discussion: 1. Are there any other methods or approaches recommended? 2. As for this practice of exceeding process parameters during operation, how do others handle it? How can one avoid it and prevent such mistakes from affecting oneself? 3. What consequences will this method of operation bring, and what aspects should be taken into consideration in future operations?
Such operation is normal as long as it does not cause overpressure. Firstly, the pressure regulation of the compressor is controlled through backflow, and there is no issue of overpressure for the three devices involved. Furthermore, in operation, the pressure parameter should be used as the reference point, and the valve opening degree cannot be used as the adjustment reference point. If the pressure at the compressor inlet exceeds the specified limit, it may lead to leaks in the dynamic and static seals or damage to the equipment, and this must be prevented. For reference.
It is working fairly well at present, but when it comes to operating the equipment beyond its specified limits and economic benefits, many private enterprises give priority to economic considerations. It wasn’t that much, and no serious consequences ensued; it might become a routine procedure in the future: lol