Propane Compressor Efficiency
Propane Compressor Efficiency
(OP)
Hello, I have a question about calculating the efficiency of a three stage propane compressor. The compressor has three inputs of propane with different temperatures and pressures, coming from 1st,2nd and 3rd stage knock out drums, and I know the flow, pressure and temperature of the input streams and I know the same for the discharge out of the compressor. First of all is it normal that a multi stage compressor does not have intercoolers? Second of all how would I go about calculating the efficiency? Lastly, I'm was not able to successfully use Hysys to simulate this compressor. I would like to verify my calculations using Hysys. I would really appreciate the support in this regard.
RE: Propane Compressor Efficiency
for each stage Td, the Td was guessed based on OEM curves and using actual rpm and inlet flow rate data.
good luck.
RE: Propane Compressor Efficiency
not too different from procedure described by pmover,
in this case Excel offers some additional flexibility (while the library solves the polytropic stages) but you should be able to solve with many simulators.
RE: Propane Compressor Efficiency
RE: Propane Compressor Efficiency
RE: Propane Compressor Efficiency
RE: Propane Compressor Efficiency
RE: Propane Compressor Efficiency
or define some default values (for example 0.75-0.8) in a table,
Excel can estimate polytropic efficiency at operating point (interpolation within existing data set),
then you can solve with a library (as Prode) or a simulator
differently, if you wish to calculate polytropic efficiency, preferably solve separately the different stages, that is possible if you know intermediate T, P conditions,
or, for solving multiple variables, you may start with some default values (for example 0.8) and run the minimizer in Excel to find the correct values,
I have a Excel page with a few lines of VBA code for that, simulators normally include predefined procedures,
in case of erratic behavior you can force the direction of search in Excel assuming some relation between flow and efficiency in the three stages,
this converts the multivariable initial case into a single variable problem, easy to solve,
finally, if you get uncommon values (for example efficiency < 0.6 or > 0.95) check your input values, maybe some wrong number or unit,
Paolo
RE: Propane Compressor Efficiency
RE: Propane Compressor Efficiency
correct - method/technique i use to readily distinguish input/calc data.
um, after looking at this image, i see improvements that can be made. too bad i do not have the P&IDs.
RE: Propane Compressor Efficiency
RE: Propane Compressor Efficiency
If you would like a gain in precision (not sure if it is justified or not, a word on this later) you could determine the mixing temperature with enhanced procedures depending on your working assumption:
1/- if gas properties are assumed constant:
T_after_mix = (G_sidestream x T_sidestream + G_incoming x T_incoming) / (G_after_mix)
2/- if gas properties are assumed to change linearly:
T_after_mix = (G_sidestream x Cp_sidestream x T_sidestream + G_incoming x Cp_incoming x T_incoming) / (G_sidestream x Cp_sidestream + G_incoming x Cp_incoming)
3/- if gas properties change significantly, I suggest to do enthalpy balance and proceed via EOS to calculate mixing temperature.
But like I said I do not know if there enhancements have justified costs. I am confident the simplified approach per 1/ is proven and could work effectively in this propane case refrigeration machine.
So consider the rest of the methods for a useful future reference.
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RE: Propane Compressor Efficiency
and second flow coming from 2 KO drum will cool the first stage discharge gas same for next stage.
2. Effeciency of every stage can calculate by
EFF=== (Log(P2/P1)power(k-1/k))/Log(T2/T1)