Course Objectives

To be able to understand the design, construction, control and operation of Reciprocating
Compressors.

Course Description

This course offers delegates a comprehensive overview of the design, construction, control and operation of reciprocating compressors of the type normally found in the oil, gas and other process industries.

The course describes the principles of operation of the compressor and how, through a combination of the physical constraints both on the gas being processed and the materials of construction of the compressor, the design is adapted to a number of different configurations to meet numerous needs.

The effect of changing the gas composition and suction conditions is studied through the use of a dynamic simulation model.

The course also offers delegates the opportunity to study the manner in which the compressor is controlled and operated to provide a safe, effective means of boosting the pressure of a gas stream for a number of applications. A Computer Based Training (CBT) package is used to perform performance, efficiency and simple design calculations.

Who Should Attend

Operations personnel of a non- mechanical background who are either supervisors or persons responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of reciprocating compressor installations. This includes process operators, supervisors, technicians and Engineers who do not have a mechanical background. No prior knowledge of the subject is required although some fundamental understanding of gas behaviour is desirable.

Pre-Requisites

All Attendees should have a sound power generation and mechanical background.

Course Outcome

At the end of this course you will be able to design centrifugal and reciprocating compressors.

Course Outline

Day 1

• Introduction
• Compressor selection
  • Efficiencies
  • Speed
  • Centrifugal versus reciprocating
• Principles of the Compression Process

Day 2

• 1st & 2nd Law of thermodynamics
• Isothermal, Adiabatic, Isentropic and Polytropic Compression
• Compression cycles
• Theory of Operation
  • Valves, Cylinders, Pistons
  • Clearance volume
  • Single acting compressors
  • Double acting compressors
• Volumetric and Mechanical Efficiency and Multi-staging Design
  • Principles
  • Calculations

Day 3

• Compressor operation
  • Effect of changes in suction pressure, suction temperature and gas composition
  • Discharge temperature limits (API 618)
• Compressor Cylinder Assembly
  • Frame Assemblies and Compressor Configurations
  • Balanced opposed compressors
• Cooling and Lubrication

Day 4

• Capacity Control
  • Unloaders
  • Clearance pockets and bottles
  • Step control
  • Recycle control
• Performance & Design calculations
  • Volumetric efficiency
  • Volumetric throughput
  • Multi-stage compression ratio
  • Discharge temperature
  • Piston rod loading
  • Compression power

Day 5

• Case Studies and Compression Applications
• Course Review and Feedback

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