EFRC guidelines on how to avoid liquid problems in reciprocating compressor systems

Reciprocating compressors are widely used in a variety of industries. Issues with using reciprocating compressors are reliability concerns, especially system failures due to the presence of liquids. The working principle of reciprocating compressors are based on the gas compression of a closed volume and due to incompressibility of the liquid phase, the compressor is incapable of handling the liquid carryover inside the compressor cylinder. Additionally, as the liquid is being carried over into the compressor cylinder, it is too late for taking actions to avoid failures. Thus, it is desired to design and operate a reciprocating compressor system to prevent liquids from entering and accumulating in the system. This paper focuses on the liquid carryover problems in reciprocating compressor systems: how they occur, what are the consequences and what are the measures in the design and operation of the system to prevent liquid carryover problems. Since the liquid carryover can be initiated at each component of the system, every component in the system is studied individually for its contribution to the liquid accumulation and carryover. This paper is a summary of the research project funded by the R&D group of EFRC and performed by TNO. The paper describes the results of the different steps carried out in the project which are as follows:· Literature survey; · Face-to-face meetings with a number of operators, equipment OEM’s etc.; · Internet survey.; · Setting up the guidelines.; · International workshop. The final result of the project is a document named “EFRC Guidelines on how to avoid liquid problems in reciprocating compressors systems”. This document consists of engineering guidelines on the design of different components and on the operation of reciprocating compressor systems on how to avoid liquid problems.