Compressor at 100% capacity
Compressor at 100% capacity
(OP)
Hi everybody,
a simple question
Can a compressor be run at 100% capacity in a continuous operation
a simple question
Can a compressor be run at 100% capacity in a continuous operation





RE: Compressor at 100% capacity
RE: Compressor at 100% capacity
Many process units I know of, work at full capacity on a continuous basis without unexpected or unusual consequences thereof.
RE: Compressor at 100% capacity
Samiran
RE: Compressor at 100% capacity
for further assistance, what type (i.e. recip, centrifugal, etc) of compressor?
what are the compressor's design conditions?
what are the compressor's actual operating conditions?
comments by 25362 & Samiran are valid.
-pmover
RE: Compressor at 100% capacity
RE: Compressor at 100% capacity
Further, power consumption will be low for a cyclic compressor when compared to a fully loaded compressor.
Finally as a maintenance guy I would prefer intermittent operation of equipment for better life.
Regards,
RE: Compressor at 100% capacity
RE: Compressor at 100% capacity
RE: Compressor at 100% capacity
There are indeed hydrogen reciprocating compressors that can operate continuously for 25,000 hours (3 years!) without a shutdown.
Of late original spare hydrogen reciprocating compressors are being brought online without spares. There is a demand for reciprocating compressors that are capable of running consistently at full capacity (volume- and pressure-wise) from turnaround to turnaround without a shutdown.
It appears that the reliability of these units is strongly dependent (given a good OEM's job for the purpose, a proper installation, good lubrication and instrumentation) on the good working relationships between the maintenance/reliability group and the production group.
Of course, good maintenance procedures (including organized documentation) carried by knowledgeable personnel is considered by many an important factor in getting reliable compressors.
It is, in the end, the operations department who answers the question: which will cost more in the long run, taking a short-term cut in production and fixing a "problem" or letting the compressor run even though there is the potential for further equipment damage and a longer shutdown. On these grounds I understand quark's comments.