Capacity Control of Centrifugal Compressor

By: Raghda Ahmed

It is used for the following reasons:

1. Process flow control. 2. fuel/power efficiency. 3. Pressure regulation.

Capacity can be changed in several ways:

1. Speed control. 2. Suction throttling. 3. Variable inlet guide vane.

1. Speed control
It is the most widely used. Gas turbines and steam turbines were among the best options that offered energy-efficient throughput variation. Both driver types allow speed control over a fairly wide operating range. Also electric variable speed motors offers a continuation to the speed control practice. Variable frequency drive motors have joined turbines as a viable option.

1. Speed control

1. Speed control

1. Speed control
Variable speed electric motor drivers are produced in sizes up to, and even exceeding, 100 MW. They offer similar flexibility and part-load efficiency as gas and steam turbines. The trend is toward more variable speed drive motor applications because of the simplicity and relative cleanliness of these installations. Also, variable speed electric motors tend to require less maintenance than other variable speed drives.

2. Suction throttling
It represents another capacity turn- down option. This is mainly achieved by reducing the inlet pressure, which in turn reduces weight flow and, therefore, reduces power demand. As with the other options, precautions must be taken to keep the compressor away from surge.

Pressure rise P

Surge line
Closing the valve

Choke limit

Q part load

Flow rate Q

3. Variable Inlet Guide Vane (IGV)

The movable inlet guide vane adds pre-whirl to the gas stream entering the impeller, which in turn, reduces the axial component of the absolute velocity, which controls the capacity to the impeller.

m = * A * C1
By modifying the inlet whirl component, the capacity is reduced with little loss in efficient.

3. Variable Inlet Guide Vane

It is more efficient than the previous method, which can be adjusted over a wider range The largest problem with the use of movable inlet guide vanes is the danger of the vanes. Obviously, the vanes are not suitable for dirty or fouling gas service. It would be most effective on single stage compressors. It can be used on multi-stage compressors, but it can only be installed in front of the first impeller. If the compressor has a complex arrangement, the concept is not practical.

Advantage & Disadvantage

Speed control
Wide control range. Expensive.

Suction throttling
Reasonable control range. low cost.

Inlet guide vane control

Little loss in efficiency. Suitable only for single stage or few stage compressors. Not suitable for dirty or fouling service.

Reference
Compressor and modern process application Compressors selection and sizing , 3rd Edition Compressor handbook