Analysis of Reciprocating Booster Compressor Performance by Mathematical Modelling Methods

The article describes the experience of JSC "Compressor" in creation of advanced compressor equipment employing reciprocating compressors for the oil and gas sector. Issues of 3D modelling, calculation, survey and improvement of reciprocating compressor valves with account of gas real properties and actual operation conditions are considered by the example of a multi-stage reciprocating compressor with the use of computer gas dynamics methods. Efficient and reliable operation of reciprocating compressors within the wide range of operating conditions is one of the most important problems in design, production, and operation of the compressor equipment. Reciprocating compressors used as part of mobile gas filling tanks are intended for compression of natural gas up to the final pressure of 20-25 MPa. When such equipment is being designed, real properties of the fluid to compress have to be determined. The paper surveys theoretical influence of initial gas parameters on the working process of the compressor. Compression of both ideal and real gas has been surveyed, with its results provided herein. The mathematical model developed is briefly described, and methods to determine thermodynamic properties of methane are provided, with comparison results of calculated and tabular data available. Results of adequacy analysis of the mathematical model are given. Improvement of valves at the design stage enhances energy efficiency of the compressor operation and allows avoiding such negative phenomenon as flutter at high-pressure stages. Efficient stripping and dehydration of high-pressure natural gas downstream of the compressor with the use of PSA modified technology and batch heating of recycle gas is considered.