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Sizing criteria for reciprocating compressor piping

Sizing criteria for reciprocating compressor piping

Sizing criteria for reciprocating compressor piping

(OP)
Does anyone have specific guidelines or references for maximum velocities that should be used when sizing the process piping on recip's. I have a very non specific reference that states the piping should be sized for a maximum velocity of 12m/s.

thanks

RE: Sizing criteria for reciprocating compressor piping

I size the suction and discharge lines for a max velocity equal to the erosion velocity specified in API 14E with a factor of 100.

I then check the unit pressure loss and adjust the line size to get 0.25 to 0.5 psi/100 LF.

The above procedure most likely will give you a velocity higher than 12 m/s.  Don't know any justification for this low a velocity unless your pulsation analysis warrants it to limit the forces in elbows, etc. although I have never experienced this problem following the above.

Another approach is to size the piping pressure loss to be equal to the allowable peak-to-peak pulsation pressure.

If noise is a problem then insulate the piping.  

By the way, the bypass line size is typically half the suction line size.

RE: Sizing criteria for reciprocating compressor piping

robk1:

Consider API 14E which limits velocities to 60 feet per second - for noise control.

Consider too, limiting pressure drop in suction piping to 1/4 psi per 100 feet, and in discharge piping to 1/2 psi per 100 feet.

RE: Sizing criteria for reciprocating compressor piping

not only does velocity need to be considered, but the pulsations generated need to be considered as well.  if you are referring to the piping upstream/downsteam of pulsation control devices, then the previous responses should suffice.
it is best to have a pulsation study/analysis accomplished during the design in which the entire system design (i.e. compressor details + piping arrangement, etc.) are addressed.
-pmover

RE: Sizing criteria for reciprocating compressor piping

For the max. velocity criteria of 12 m/s. It depends on sonic velocity and molecular weight of gas.

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