Session: 20-02 PTC10 and Compressor Performance Measurement Techniques

Paper Number: 122217

122217 - Field Performance Testing and Test Codes for Gas Compressors 

Field testing of gas compressor packages requires the accurate determination of efficiency, capacity, head, and power  in sometimes less than ideal working environments. Nonetheless, field test results have significant implication for the compressor manufacturers and their customers. Economic considerations demand that the performance and efficiency of an installation are verified to assure a project's return on investment. Thus, for the compressor manufacturers, as well as for the end-user, an accurate determination of the field performance is of vital interest.

While field performance tests have to be executed under conditions dictated by the situation at site,  factory test codes like ASME PTC10 and ISO 5389 provide guidance. The former code was recently revised, so a discussion of this revised code in the context of site performance testing is appropriate.  A key change in PTC10 is the method to calculate polytropic work, which affects data reduction. It also affirms a method to calculate error propagation and test uncertainties. The discussion includes the appropriate use of Equations of State, and the definition of steady state requirements. Different methods to define valid operating conditions for the test, based on similarity considerations are compared.  Lastly, a few comments on the use of ideal reference processes, such as the polytropic, isentropic and isothermal process will be provided.

Presenting Author: Rainer Kurz Solar Turbines

Presenting Author Biography: Dr. Rainer Kurz is the Manager, Gas Compressor Engineering at Solar Turbines Incorporated

Authors:

Klaus Brun Elliott Group
Rainer Kurz Solar Turbines