TUTORIAL: SURGE CONTROL AND DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR FOR CENTRIFUGAL GAS COMPRESSORS

TutorialThis tutorial discusses the design and function of surge control systems, or more precisely, surge avoidance systems on the basis of the behavior of centrifugal compressors when they interact with compression systems. Therefore, the control system, as well as the phenomenon of surge and stall is discussed. The paper emphasizes the interrelation between the process system and the compressor. Regarding the compressor, different methods of controlling the compressor are discussed, together with different operating regions like stall and choke. The differences between stall and surge are explained. Additionally, the impact of the process and how the process dynamics interact with the compressor is analyzed, categorized, and explained. Based on the above, process control and in particular, surge control systems are discussed. Critical features of surge control systems are explained, and options for different arrangements are given