Is it possible to control the flow rate of a positive displacement compressor using an inlet valve?
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One of our units is equipped with a reciprocating compressor used for compressing hydrogen. Its design capacity is much higher than the amount of gas currently being used, so the bypass valve is set at a high position. I would like to ask whether it is possible to reduce the compressor’s load by closing the inlet valve, thereby minimizing the bypass circulation
Consider starting with hydrogen delivery – having the suppliers deliver less, and restricting access in order to address abnormal operating conditions, which increases factors of instability
A reduction in hydrogen delivery does not fundamentally change the amount of gas compressed by the compressor, as there is a cycle in place. My idea is to close the valve at the compressor inlet in order to reduce the pressure there, for example from 6 kilograms to 4 kilograms. This will actually decrease the volume of air entering the compressor, and as a result, the circulation rate will drop as well.
Closing the inlet means throttling the flow; has anyone considered that if 6 kilograms is the design pressure and it is reduced to 4 kilograms, in order to ensure that the outlet pressure is sufficient to meet the reaction pressure requirements, the compressor’s load will increase, thereby posing a high risk of overloading the unit
If the deviation is large, there is a high risk of flow restriction at the inlet; it is recommended to install a regulation system that reduces the flow rate without affecting the compressor’s pressure ratio, thereby also lowering power consumption.
What kind of control system should be used? Thank you
Stepless air volume adjustment or clearance adjustment. It depends on your operating conditions
Yes, it is possible to use a volume control valve on the intake valve to regulate its opening degree, thereby controlling the amount of air compressed. In this way, the motor will not operate at full load, and energy consumption can also be reduced.