Hydrogen Reciprocating Compressor Flow Rate
Hydrogen Reciprocating Compressor Flow Rate
(OP)
When we start H2 reciprocating compressor with N2 gas, manufacturer's manual shows reduced operating flow limit (8,450 Nm2/h) compared to rated hydrogen capacity(49,500 Nm3/h) for 1st stage.
If the compressor is operated with the same rated flow as H2 gas, what problem will happen?
If the compressor is operated with the same rated flow as H2 gas, what problem will happen?





RE: Hydrogen Reciprocating Compressor Flow Rate
hope this helps.
-pmover
RE: Hydrogen Reciprocating Compressor Flow Rate
What are the actual operating pressures with nitrogen and with hydrogen? Assuming both gases are at the same ambient temperature, the "actual" (not "normal") displaced volumes could still be the same for both gases if nitrogen is at atmospheric pressure and hydrogen is at, say 5.86 atm.
Quoted from Lieberman & Lieberman's A working guide to process equipment:
RE: Hydrogen Reciprocating Compressor Flow Rate
I know N2 purge and circulation is needed during startup and commissioning period.
My concern is for the operation of compressor with n2 at rated flow of h2, it may cause a problem on the compressor.
RE: Hydrogen Reciprocating Compressor Flow Rate
RE: Hydrogen Reciprocating Compressor Flow Rate
seungwon2
From the sheet taken from the Safety & Operating manual I could learn that the operation on nitrogen is taken at 50% load of the normal rated capacity, after correcting for inlet pressures.
I imagine, but I cannot be entirely sure (better ask the maker), that the intercoolers are much more effective with the hydrogen-rich gas than with nitrogen, therefore, in order not to unduely heat the gas and possibly ruin the lubricant there is a limitation on nitrogen flowrate. This is also confirmed by the lower overall compression ratio indicated for nitrogen.
FYI, the lubricant I used to work with in hydrogen compressors was based on PAG which is claimed as not leaving any deposits in service up to 200oC.
Normally these type of compressors are provided with a high-temp trip for such reasons.