SCREW COMPRESSOR CAPACITY CONTROL
SCREW COMPRESSOR CAPACITY CONTROL
(OP)
We have a screw compressor (Aerzen Delta Screw VLM150)that delivers too much air to process with no built in way of controlling the capacity. It delivers air at 0.75 Bar delivery, intake 10000 m3/h free air at 1300m altitude, 300 kw motor at 2950 rpm.
What is the quickest way of reducing delivery capacity given a remote location with on site plant pipe fabrication facilities?
What is the quickest way of reducing delivery capacity given a remote location with on site plant pipe fabrication facilities?





RE: SCREW COMPRESSOR CAPACITY CONTROL
I'm not familiar with that brand of compressor, but does it have internal capacity control (on air compressors, if they're available, they are usually called "turn valves" or a "poppet valves")? If so, your compressor control panel can usually drive an unloader scheme.
Finally, if those options are not available to you, you can put a recycle valve to dump excess air.
David
RE: SCREW COMPRESSOR CAPACITY CONTROL
On expensive equipment like this it would be wise to consult the manufacturer of your compressor.
RE: SCREW COMPRESSOR CAPACITY CONTROL
I've seen compressors running partially unloaded for decades, and have rearely seen a flooded screw in oil & gas service that wasn't partially unloaded.
David
RE: SCREW COMPRESSOR CAPACITY CONTROL
RE: SCREW COMPRESSOR CAPACITY CONTROL
RE: SCREW COMPRESSOR CAPACITY CONTROL
A roots blower, for example has no valves so the lobes are always working against outlet air pressure. To unload a blower you would put a check valve in the outlet and then dump air to atmosphere before the check valve.
A reciprocating compressor can be unloaded by locking inlet or outlet valves open or closed. There are potential problem each approach that need to be addressed. For example, under vacuum the cylinder could slowly fill with oil.It would not be good to try to compress that oil.
RE: SCREW COMPRESSOR CAPACITY CONTROL