Reciprocating Compressor Speed Modulation for Pulsation Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reciprocating gas compressors generate transient pulsating flows due to piston motion and alternating valve motion, leading to coherent wave resonance in the compressor piping system, which can damage the system or its piping, and existing control methods are inadequate in reducing pulsations without compromising compressor performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a frequency modulation method to continuously vary the piston speed of the reciprocating compressor, using a control unit to modulate the engine speed and avoid coherent wave resonance by selecting a probabilistic distribution for the frequency modulation, thereby minimizing the formation of coherent waves in the piping system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reciprocating gas compressors operate with fixed piston speed, then compressor performance is maintained, but coherent wave resonance occurs in the piping system causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by continuously varying the piston speed of the reciprocating compressor away from fixed operating speeds. This speed variation prevents the formation of coherent waves at resonant frequencies in the piping system, thereby reducing pulsations while maintaining compressor performance. The dynamic adjustment of operating parameters resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliable operation and eliminating harmful pulsations.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If existing control methods are used to reduce pulsations, then some pulsation control is achieved, but compressor performance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by continuously varying the piston speed parameter around the optimal operating point. This approach reduces pulsations and prevents coherent wave resonance in the piping system while maintaining the compressor's performance characteristics. The dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to avoid resonant frequencies without sacrificing productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively reduces peak-to-peak pulsations from 42 psi to 1.5 psi, maintaining compressor performance and preventing damage by continuously adjusting the compressor speed to match pipeline demands and avoid resonant frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
using a frequency modulation method to continuously vary the piston speed of the reciprocating compressor
Implementation Method 2
avoid coherent wave resonance by selecting a probabilistic distribution for the frequency modulation, thereby minimizing the formation of coherent waves in the piping system
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing pulsation in a gas compressor system. The compressor driver (engine or motor) is operated at a modulated engine speed. The average of the modulated speed is selected to achieve a desired pipeline flow. The modulation characteristics are determined to optimally reduce the pulsation response of the compressor system.