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Compressor Flow Rate

AhmadAPC

Mechanical
Joined
May 30, 2025
Messages
4
We ordered a centrifugal compressor for oxygen fluid with a flow rate of 7500 m3/h and a pressure of 20 bar. This compressor is equipped with a inlet guide vane (IGV) and variable frequency motor. Now, for some reason, our required flow rate has decreased to 5000 cubic m3/h, but our required pressure remains the same at 20 bar. My question is: Regardless of the energy loss, can this compressor be used continuously for flow rate 5000 cubic m3/h and pressure 20 bar?
Thank you for your guidance.
 
Find the answer in the performance curves for this compressor. In some cases, some flow may be recycled back to suction in order to maintain discharge pressure of 20barg.

In a well designed system, the compressor would have been designed to handle full recycle at max speed. In some plants, the compressor can only handle some limited amount of recycle - key parameter for this would be the recycle gas temp after the recycle valve. If recycle temp is = fresh feed temp, then you woldnt have any recycle ratio limitation. If it is higher, then it would depend on compression ratio and margin to discharge temp trip.
 
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