Method and apparatus for estimating flow in compressors with sidestreams
US6503048B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 27, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 27, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF05D2270/101
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Accurate and effective antisurge control for turbocompressor stages is augmented by measuring the flow rate of fluid entering or leaving the stage of compression. On the other hand, turbocompressors with sidestreams, such as ethylene, propylene, and propane refrigeration compressors, pose unique antisurge control challenges; in particular, measurements for the flow rate entering (or leaving) the compressors' middle stages are not available in most cases. Furthermore, the methods used to cope with this lack of flow measurements are prone to introducing errors and producing false transients, as well as being cumbersome and difficult to implement. For these reasons, this disclosure relates to a method for protecting turbocompressors with sidestreams from the damaging effects of surge. But more specifically, it describes a technique for estimating the reduced flow rate entering a compression stage not having a flow measurement device in its suction or discharge—that is, the flow rate entering a middle (intermediate) compressor stage can be inferred from known flow rates. The reduced flow rate is used to determine a location of the compression stage's operating point relative to i…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.