More and more is expected of our compressor packages. Wide speed ranges, large variations in pressures and flow, varying gas compositions and multiple unloading schemes all present challenges to a proper torsional design of a system where the operating envelope is stretched to encompass numerous operating scenarios.
This paper presents methods to meet some of these challenges and reasons to establish boundaries for the design of reciprocating gas packages.
Using the “GMRC Recommended Practice for Control of Torsional Vibrations in Direct-Driven Separable Reciprocating Compressors,” the paper discusses how to thoroughly define the expected operating envelope to achieve the widest possible operating range.
The limits of typical design options, as well as various alternatives to avoid torsional vibration problems, are illustrated with three case studies.
Read the technical paper here:
Torsional challenges – GMC 2019
This paper was written by Alasdair Robinson, BSc, PEng, of Wood for the GMRC Gas Machinery Conference 2019.
Wood has created a calculator to help control pipe pulsation in reciprocating gas compressor systems by finding what pipe lengths to avoid. The tool will aid those who are attempting to control pulsation without resorting to additional controls. Having the correct pipe lengths will save the project time and money.
Follow the steps to find which pipe lengths to avoid, but be aware that Wood states that this tool is for educational purposes only.
Access the calculator here:
Pipe Lengths to Avoid Calculator
Wood also has many other tools and calculators on their website that operators and engineers could make use of.
A sound foundation is a key factor in a successful reciprocating compressor application. Conventional concrete block foundations provide a reliable design, but the cost can be significant. Driven pile and helical or screw pile foundations are good alternatives that have been used successfully, even for very large reciprocating compressor packages. A pile foundation has the advantage of lower costs and shorter installation time compared to concrete block foundations.
The pile foundation design must consider static loads, which is a well-understood requirement. Reciprocating compressors also generate dynamic forces as part of their normal operation, which must be considered in the pile foundation design along with the static loads.
A dynamic analysis of pile foundations requires specific approaches and practices, and the package design must include special considerations when a pile foundation is used. There are also some differences between driven pile and helical pile foundations that must be considered.
This paper outlines the general design practices for driven and helical pile foundations for reciprocating compressors. The advantages and disadvantages of pile foundations and concrete block foundations are discussed. Case studies for reciprocating compressor packages are presented to demonstrate the use of pile foundations and the need for a dynamic foundation analysis.
Read the technical paper here:
Reciprocating compressor foundation design with steel piles – GMC 2019
This paper was written by Kelly Eberle, BSc, PEng, of Wood for the GMRC Gas Machinery Conference 2019.
How Wireless, Cloud, and Big-Data Techniques are Revolutionizing Future Industrial Reciprocating Engine & Compressor Machinery Failure Detection/Prediction Techniques
smart Methodologies Of Monitoring Reciprocating Compressors
IMI Sensors designed the Reciprocating Machinery Protector (Model 649A01) to simplify the process of monitoring and protecting reciprocating compressors.
