Exit temperature of reciprocating compressors under different operating conditions
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The load regulation of reciprocating compressors is generally 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, with the gas valves arranged symmetrically. Could the experts please explain why the outlet temperature is higher at 50% load than at 100% load?
Gas is circulated; the inlet temperature is high
At 50% load, in the first cycle, the high-temperature gas at the outlet experiences further temperature increase after one compression. Secondly, when operating at sub-full load, cooling may not be optimal; in particular, inter-stage cooling cannot take place adequately, resulting in an excessively high outlet temperature. Third, there is the issue with the gas valve: at a 5% load level, the heat generated by the gas valve is not cooled down promptly and effectively. Over time, this leads to a significant increase in temperature, which in turn results in an even higher outlet temperature.
Thank you both for the discussion! Modern reciprocating compressors are basically double-acting compressors, with the piston performing work whenever it moves back and forth. There is a set of intake valves on each side of the piston, with each set handling 50% of the load of that cylinder. When we adjust the load to 50%, it is equivalent to one set of intake valves not functioning and remaining open. As the piston moves back and forth on that side, the outlet valve cannot open; as a result, the gas inside the cylinder continuously enters and exits through the intake valves, and thus the temperature inside the cylinder is carried to the inlet.
Could the poster elaborate on the question? How many levels of compression? Does the inlet temperature remain unchanged? Is load regulation done through connecting lines or with unloaders?
Affirming it means that two legs allow for more stable running than just one leg