Online switching of turbine-driven centrifugal compressors
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Hello, dear colleagues. Our company has designed two sets of centrifugal compressors, one with a higher capacity and the other with a lower one. Currently, the one with the higher capacity is in use. Since the load is currently low, in order to reduce costs, it is necessary to switch between the two compressors while they are still running. I was wondering if any of you have experience with this? What issues need to be considered during the switching process? Thank you very much
Several factors need to be considered for online switching: 1. Is there sufficient steam available to start the backup small steam turbine? 2. Are there any requirements from the rear system or the front system regarding changes in the compressor’s air delivery volume? What is the acceptable range of fluctuation in gas volume? 3. Can online switching be achieved in the process design? If there are no issues with the above, online switching can be fully achieved.