How should the inlet filter of a reciprocating compressor be installed? High-score rewards – welcome!
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Reciprocating compressor inlet filter, Y-type, installed vertically; the medium is acidic gas. To be more precise, the acidic gas passes through a water wash tower for washing → then through a gas-liquid separator (equipped with a demister) → again through a gas-liquid separator → a hydrocyclone (with limited effectiveness) → the Y-type filter → and finally enters the compressor. Question 1: During winter operation, water was found inside the Y-type filter. The amount of water drained per hour was approximately 1200 ml at night (when temperatures are low) and 800 ml during the day (when temperatures are high). If this water remaining in the filter is not drained, could it cause damage to the compressor? Question 2: Can a Y-type filter be installed horizontally? We warmly invite everyone to participate actively in the discussions; points will be awarded for participation, and there will be no shortage of them
Reciprocating compressors must not allow liquid to enter the cylinder; generally, a liquid separation tank is installed before filtration.
1. Liquids are not allowed to enter the cylinder of a reciprocating compressor； 2. The Y-type filter is safe when installed vertically; if liquid accumulates, a sealed drainage valve can be installed for regular drainage.
Liquids are incompressible; Y-type filters are not suitable for filtering liquids. It is necessary to know what type of gas-liquid separator you have Are there any filtering elements?
No filter needed. The gas enters the gas-liquid separator before reaching the compressor; the separator is equipped with a wire mesh filter at its top ； If there are multiple magazines, one spare gas-liquid separator is available for online switching
Heating should be added at the outlet of the gas-liquid separator to prevent gas condensation before it enters the machine.
The moisture content of this feed gas is at a saturated level; during flow in the pipes, even slight energy losses will cause condensate to form. It is best to refer to the actual installation height on site to determine whether it is feasible. Because in a horizontally installed Y-type filter, some liquid accumulates in the fluid at the bottom; it would be ideal to be able to drain this liquid through an additional pipe. This filter has a certain ability to cause water to precipitate, but it is usually negligible. Additionally, the compressors used also need to differ; for example, centrifugal compressors have a lower risk of damage, while positive-displacement compressors may have a higher risk. It is best to refer to the actual installation on site; designers should consider avoiding issues such as water remaining in front of the machine, for reference.
Check whether it is a complete set of units; such sets include gas-liquid separation tanks in front of each stage, as well as level gauges or remote-controlled level switches, to ensure reliable regular drainage； If there is no gas-liquid separation tank in the complete set of equipment, gas-liquid separation can be added at the front end; gas is discharged from the top of the gas-liquid separation tank, and a horizontal drainage system is installed at the bottom to enable gravity-driven flow due to an appropriate slope ； The Y-type filter can be installed in spaces with an inlet; in such cases, there are relatively more straight pipe sections arranged horizontally. Personal opinions, learn together