Issues with reciprocating compressor backups
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If a multi-stage reciprocating compressor does not have inter-stage return mechanisms, how should it be operated when it needs to be taken out of service for backup use? Is it necessary to reduce the gas pressure within each stage of the compressor to the inlet pressure, and is it required to balance the pressures across the various stages? Furthermore, when design institutes select reciprocating compressors for design purposes, many of them do not provide for step-by-step return; how is this handled in terms of operation? This post was last edited by 156026692 on 2009-2-15 21:57]
If the compressor does not have return lines at each stage, it usually has gas flow regulation facilities, and it can be in an unloaded state when shut down.
Use a unloader and Hydrocom