The angular coordinate method allows to simplify the multi-level operation of the compressor to a one-dimensional visualization of the safe operating zone, presenting it as a direct comparison of the process variable with the set value, which is the most common and convenient practice for plant operators monitoring processes in the DCS.
A PID-based control strategy can manage surge margin by using feedforward signals from flow, pressure, or compressor speed fluctuations.
Process automation hall-of-fame member Greg McMillan made his book about centrifugal and axial compressor control freely available for download in PDF form.
Anti-surge valves protect centrifugal compressors from potentially catastrophic damage, but they are typically grossly oversized for common operating conditions. My article in the December 2024 issue of Automation.com, titled “The Art of Compressor Anti-surge Valve...
Greg McMillan’s book, Centrifugal and Axial Compressor Control, delves into the complex control challenges associated with centrifugal and axial compressors, particularly in surge conditions. This is a unique opportunity to learn from a true industry leader.
In a Hydrocarbon Engineering article, Control Valve Selection for Ethylene Plants, Matthew Wagner describes how to choose the right combination of valve style, trim type, materials of construction, and digital positioners for critical valve application in an ethylene unit.
The owners of LNG regasification terminals are looking for ways to increase the operational efficiency of their assets while still ensuring that safety is never compromised. The application of a broad range of advanced digital technologies is helping them to meet this challenge and increase capacity at their plants.
An ethylene plant has a number of very large, very critical compressors which will cause the entire plant to shutdown if they ever trip. The cracked gas compressor increases the entire cold-side feed from around 3 psig to ~475 psig, typically through 5 stages. The two refrigeration compressors are the next biggest compressors that can also shut down the entire plant if they trip.
Given the possible harm to the equipment, a special surge prevention algorithm is required to efficiently protect the compressor. The controller response time also must be higher than for majority of other control loops. The Emerson DeltaV PK controller is a good example of fast-acting controller for compressor antisurge control.
Some of the most perennially popular posts (say that fast 10 times!) here on the blog involve axial or centrifugal compressor surge control, or better stated—anti-surge control. In a paper presented at this year's AIChE Spring Meeting, Emerson's Greg McMillan—a member...
Some of the most consistently popular posts here on the blog involve compressor anti-surge control. It's a condition in centrifugal and axial compressors where a flow reversal condition can occur. Wikipedia defines centrifugal compressor surge as: …the point at which...
Centrifugal and axial compressors are at the heart of many production processes. Effective compressor automation and turbomachinery control not only impacts efficiency, but also safety, reliability, production throughput and energy usage. A complete turbomachinery control system consists of measurement devices, high speed controllers, control valves, guide vane drives, turbine governors and more.
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