Surge testing of natural gas pipeline centrifugal compressors

• Main Author: Jonson, Lance Gordon
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Subjects: engineering, mechanical; engineering, petroleum
• ISBN: 9780612313224; 0612313220

Operating a gas pipeline centrifugal compressor within the unstable region of operation can lead to a destructive phenomenon known as surge, which can result in mechanical damage to the compressor. The users of such compressors rely on surge control systems to prevent operation in the unstable region.
The only way to properly setup a surge control system is to locate the true boundary of the unstable region through a surge test. Because a surge test involves bringing the operation of the compressor near the unstable region, it places both the compressor, and the associated production, at risk.
The reported work outlines the development and subsequent successful implementation of a surge testing procedure that was developed by the author to allow the surge testing of pipeline compressors with a manageable degree of risk.