Compressors

Written by Robert X. Perez

One of the critical parameters in compressor design and selection is the compression ratio, often denoted as r. The compression ratio is simply the ratio of the absolute stage discharge pressure to the absolute stage suction pressure.

Tags: Compressors

Written by Robert X. Perez, P.E.

When long-time pump users enter the compressor world, they must leave behind familiar flow terms, like GPM, GPH, BPH, etc. and embrace new terms, like SCFM, ICFM, CFM and ACFM, which define the flow of gases and vapors under pressure. By their compressible nature, gases require a different set of terms to define their flow. Here I will attempt to demystify this alphabet soup by explaining what these terms mean and how they are commonly used by practicing compressor professionals.

Tags: Compressor University , Compressors

Written by K.E. Atkins, Martin Hinchliff and Bruce McCain

A Note from Robert X. Perez:

Welcome back to Compressor University!

Here is the third and final installment from the Atkins, Hinchliff and McCain article. This month they complete their review of reciprocating compressor load limit definitions.

Robert X. Perez

Tags: Compressor University , Compressors

Written by K.E. Atkins, Martin Hinchliff and Bruce McCain

A Note from Robert X. Perez:

Welcome back to Compressor University!

Here is the second installment from the Atkins, Hinchliff and McCain article. This month they continue their review of reciprocating compressor load limit definitions.

Robert X. Perez

Tags: Compressor University , Compressors

Written by Samuel A. Lowry, Simerics Inc.

Pumps & Systems, February 2009

Computer simulations of pumps and compressors can now serve the same function as hardware testing. These simulations can be done in less time with less cost while providing engineering data of similar quality. Furthermore, computer modeling can be performed directly by the engineer doing the hardware design, thus providing a tight link between analysis and design optimization.

Tags: Compressors , February 2009 Issue

Written by K.E. Atkins, Martin Hinchliff and Bruce McCain

A note from Robert X. Perez:

Welcome back to Compressor University!

We are constantly asked to push our machinery a little harder. The days of underloaded, overdesigned machines have gone by way of the dinosaurs, eight-track tapes and slide rules. After numerous process nudges, prods and rerates, we are finding some machines are operating against the proverbial wall. When we go too far, our machinery begins talking to us by failing prematurely or, in extreme cases, failing catastrophically.

Tags: Compressor University , Compressors

Reciprocating Compressor Basics

Written by Noria Corporation, Introduction by Robert X. Perez

Pumps & Systems, December 2008

A Note from Robert X. Perez: Welcome to this month's installment of Compressor University! We are frequently asked to guess the answer to challenging machinery condition questions such as:

Can we make it until. . . ?
When should I plan for a major overhaul?
Is this compressor safe to run?
Should we go into the compressor during this outage, or can we make it until the next one?

Tags: Compressor University , Compressors , December 2008 Issue , Maintenance

Written by Bruce Gorelick, Enercheck Systems and Alan Bandes, UE Systems, Inc.

Pumps & Systems, December 2008

Most energy engineers realize the high cost of energy that extra horsepower air compressors waste while trying to maintain pre-set air pressures. They also realize the cost of leaks in their nitrogen, carbon dioxide and Freon systems.

Tags: Compressors , December 2008 Issue , Energy Efficiency , Maintenance , Power Generation

Written by Rodney Kohler, Danfoss Nessie

Pumps & Systems, December 2008

As the need to increase efficiency and meet lower emissions requirements puts pressure on gas turbine operators, they look for innovative solutions that do not necessitate large capital costs or high risks to make improvements. Some of the more reliable enhancements are water injection for nitrogen oxides (NOx) reduction, online and offline water wash programs to maintain compressor efficiency and fogging for power augmentation.

Tags: Compressors , December 2008 Issue , Pump Troubleshooting , Pumps , Wastewater Pump , Water and Wastewater

Written by Dr. George Zusman and David A. Corelli, IMI Sensors

Pumps & Systems, September 2007

Overall vibration trending is excellent for monitoring rotating machinery health, but not generally effective for tracking reciprocating compressors. A new generation of Reciprocating Machinery Protector technology is very sensitive to compressor faults in their early development stages, yet less likely to give false trips. Here's how it works.

Tags: Compressors , Controls , September 2007 Issue

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