Compressor operation: What is the effect of lighter process components on the outlet pressure?
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Compressor operation: What is the effect of lighter components in the process medium on the outlet pressure? What is the impact on the steam consumption for turbines?
During compressor operation, as the composition of the process medium becomes lighter, the outlet pressure should decrease; however, the outlet pressure is often determined by the requirements of the subsequent system.
The subsequent system is not considered. In other words, if a light-component substance is injected at the compressor inlet, to maintain the outlet pressure, is it necessary to increase the rotational speed?
As the composition at the compressor inlet becomes lighter, the gas density decreases, and thus the mass of the gas also decreases. The work required to compress the same volume of gas is reduced, which leads to an increase in the speed of both the turbine and the compressor, while the pressure at the compressor outlet drops