Start-up air in reciprocant compressor
Start-up air in reciprocant compressor
(OP)
Hi All!
Any one know what is a typical flowrate for start-up air in a reciprocant compressor for natural gas?
and what this air is used for?
Thanks in advance.
Any one know what is a typical flowrate for start-up air in a reciprocant compressor for natural gas?
and what this air is used for?
Thanks in advance.





RE: Start-up air in reciprocant compressor
RE: Start-up air in reciprocant compressor
Good leap dcasto.
It could also be the start-up air requirement for a diesel engine driving the field-located, natural gas compressor.
As is becoming (or has become) the usual case the Original Poster (OP) doesn't communicate well or doesn't know how to furnish basic data. And because of this failure, we all have to guess/leap - at best.
RE: Start-up air in reciprocant compressor
-The future's so bright I gotta wear shades!
RE: Start-up air in reciprocant compressor
The air starting requirments will depend on the specific engine, the specific starter, supply air pressure, and the required cranking time. The cranking time depends on the engine model, engine condition, ambient air temperature (a variable), fuel type, engine oil viscosity, and design cranking speed. Hot starts will take less air than cold starts. If there's a prelube system, is it air driven as well?
I'll toss out 40 to 80 cubic feet as a starting place but open a dialog with the engine/starter manufacturer(s).
RE: Start-up air in reciprocant compressor
In fact your comments (preachings) took me to find the answer I was looking for. Your "leaps of faith" were really close if "40 to 80 cubic feet" means scfm.
Although I needed a "order of magnitude" value to verify de diameter of an air line. "Order of magnitude" to this specific case is 40-80. Thanks dtn6770.
I contacted the starter manufacturer and found the air consumption for the service (50 scfm at 150 psig).
Thanks again