Operation after surge in a centrifugal compressor
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Let’s discuss how to adjust the operation to restore normal conditions after a centrifugal compressor driven by an electric motor experiences surge Such as the operation of the anti-surge valve.
Generally, the anti-surge valves are adjusted appropriately to move the operating point away from the surge point; after checking and eliminating system resistance, the system is then restored to normal.
If it is Conixen’s ITCC, the software will automatically add 3% to the anti-stall margin
Typically, a centrifugal compressor will automatically open the anti-surge valve to move it out of the surge zone. Of course, it depends on the situation. If it is caused by an increase in the pressure in the pipeline system, increasing the venting volume in that system can help to prevent surge as soon as possible. If the surge is due to heat exchange issues between stages, then the only option is to shut down the machine and address the problem with the heat exchangers between those stages. In cases where the surge is caused by dust accumulation on the impellers, it is necessary to clean the impellers. Additionally, if the surge is triggered by changes in the physical properties of the compressed medium, such as temperature or density, then it is required to adjust those properties or reset the anti-surge parameters~
If we consider only the surge caused by fluctuations upstream and downstream of the device, in situations where the system quickly returns to normal after such fluctuations, then if the parameters of the anti-surge control circuit in the control system are set appropriately, the system will automatically open the anti-surge valve and increase the safety margin; thereafter, it will gradually close the valve until the system reaches a stable equilibrium. At this point, it is necessary to reset the increased safety margin so that normal operation can be resumed.
What is the concept of safety margin?
Due to changes in the composition, the centrifugal compressor experienced surge; as a result, the anti-surge valve opened fully due to loss of power. How can adjustments be made to restore power to the compressor’s anti-surge valve? Avoid compressor overcurrent shutdown? Ours is the Congsen system.
Once the anti-surge valve is fully open, the operating point moves away from the surge zone, and it will be powered again automatically. Overcurrent shutdown occurs due to excessive load. If the system has an automatic control mechanism, it will adjust itself; otherwise, it becomes problematic as manual monitoring is required. Fluctuations in the process lead to an increase in load, and it’s not possible to respond quickly manually. Could you send over the flowcharts, as well as the diagrams for surge control and performance control?
Let’s press the reset button first; otherwise, the surge line will shift to the right. . . . . . . .