Basics Compressor Calculation

Sven-Olaf Zillmann
Project Manager Sales
Head of Team Pipeline
Process Industry

MAN Diesel & Turbo SE

Sven-Olaf Zillmann

Basics Calculation Compressor

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18.11.2013

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Basics Compressor Calculation

For the calculation of a compressor two steps are
necessary:
1. Thermodynamic calculation
2. Mechanical calculation

MAN Diesel & Turbo SE

Sven-Olaf Zillmann

Basics Calculation Compressor

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18.11.2013

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Basics Compressor Calculation

Thermodynamic calculation

The compressor is a volumetric machine due to the geometry of the impeller

MAN Diesel & Turbo SE

Sven-Olaf Zillmann

Basics Calculation Compressor

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18.11.2013

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Basics Compressor Calculation

Thermodynamic calculation
Step 1: get the usual process data
The needed data are:
Volume (mass) flow, inlet & outlet pressure, inlet temperature,
molecular weight (gas composition)

MAN Diesel & Turbo SE

Sven-Olaf Zillmann

Basics Calculation Compressor

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18.11.2013

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Basics Compressor Calculation

Thermodynamic calculation

Step 2: Calculate the polytrophic head for the design point

h = R * z1 * T1 * n / (n 1) * [(p2/p1)(n-1)/n - 1 ]
h = polytrophic head

[ kJ / kg ]

p1 = suction pressure at compressor flange

[bar a]

p2 = discharge pressure at compressor flange [bar a]

T1 = suction temperature at compressor flange [K]
z1 = compressibility at suction condition

typical value z1 = 0,92

R = gas constant = 8.315 / MW [kJ/kg K]

MW = molecular weight
n = polytropic exponent
MAN Diesel & Turbo SE

typical value n = 1.4

Sven-Olaf Zillmann

Basics Calculation Compressor

nopq

18.11.2013

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Basics Compressor Calculation

Thermodynamic calculation

Step 3: calculate the gas power

P=m*h/
P = gas power

[kW]

m = mass flow delivered to the process [kg/s]

h = polytropic head [kJ/kg]
= average polytropic efficiency (eta)

typical value = 0,84

The massflow can be calculated from the volume flow

pressure unit is bara, temperature unit is Kelvin, diameter unit is meter

Radial and axial bearing losses: typically 50 - 80 kW

MAN Diesel & Turbo SE

Sven-Olaf Zillmann

Basics Calculation Compressor

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18.11.2013

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Basics Compressor Calculation

Thermodynamic calculation

Step 4: calculate the number of impeller

Nimp = h / (y * u22)
Nimp = Number of impeller
h = Head needed at design point [ J/kg ]

y = head coefficient,
typical value 0.48 to 0.54
u2 = peripheral speed

[ m/s ]

typical value = 250 to 280 m/s

MAN Diesel & Turbo SE

Sven-Olaf Zillmann

Basics Calculation Compressor

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18.11.2013

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Basics Compressor Calculation

Mechanical calculation

Two mechanical calculation has to be done:

1. Lateral analysis
To find out the lateral eigenfrequencies of the compressor. The
excitation comes from the gas dynamic and the mass distribution
on the shaft.
2. Torsional analysis
To find out the torsional eigenfrequencies of the whole train. The
excitation comes from the driver e.g. motor or gas turbine. A motor
with a frequency converter is more complicated than a gas turbine.

MAN Diesel & Turbo SE

Sven-Olaf Zillmann

Basics Calculation Compressor

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18.11.2013

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Basics Compressor Calculation

Mechanical calculation
The lateral analysis must be done to ensure the stability of the
compressor. The analysis shows if the compressor runs in or near
the natural eigenfrequencies (lateral critical speed).

MAN Diesel & Turbo SE

Sven-Olaf Zillmann

Basics Calculation Compressor

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18.11.2013

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Basics Compressor Calculation

Mechanical calculation

The torsional analysis must be done to ensure the stability of the whole train.
This includes the compressor, gear (if necessary) and the driver. Especially if a
VFD motor is the driver of the train. A VFD creates an excitation by running in
part load. This is typically for an VFD.

MAN Diesel & Turbo SE

Sven-Olaf Zillmann

Basics Calculation Compressor

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18.11.2013

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Disclaimer
All data provided in this document is non-binding.
This data serves informational purposes only and is especially
not guaranteed in any way. Depending on the subsequent
specific individual projects, the relevant data may be subject
to changes and will be assessed and determined individually
for each project. This will depend on the particular
characteristics of each individual project, especially specific
site and operational conditions.

MAN Diesel & Turbo SE

Sven-Olaf Zillmann

Basics Calculation Compressor

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18.11.2013

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Do you have any more questions?

Sven-Olaf Zillmann
[olaf.zillmann@man.eu]

MAN Diesel & Turbo SE

Benjamin Omlor
[benjamin.omlor@man.eu]

Sven-Olaf Zillmann

Basics Calculation Compressor

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18.11.2013

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