MECHANICAL OJT MTT 11

MECHANICAL OJT MODUEL

Gas Compressors
INTRODUCTION

Gas Compressors have been used in industry in one form or another during the last
century, but the advancement in design and application only really developed since about
1920 onwards. Since then, application possibilities have been endless, in the process
production plant they are an import part of any process application.
As the name suggests the gas compressor, compresses a fluid that is in a gaseous form.
gases are affected by certain conditions when compressed. The conditions are,

1. Pressure and volume relationship;

2. Temperature and volume relationship.

Pressure and Volume Relationship

The volume of a gas can be measured at different pressures, but to ensure we only
measure the volume change we must measure this change at a constant temperature. The
operation process which take place at a constant temperature and no change of state is
called ISOTHERMAL, a good example of this type of process, would be a steam boiler, by
maintaining the pressure of the boiling water at the required saturation value, the heat input
of the boiler will provide the necessary latent heat to evaporate the water to steam. The
change of state process occurs at a constant temperature we can call this process
ISOTHERMAL.

BOYLES LAW States that for any ISOTHERMAL process, the

volume of given mass of gas is inversely proportional to the absolute pressure.

pV = C or p =C / V Thus p1 V1 = p2 V2

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Temperature and volume relationship

The temperature of a fixed volume of a gas can be measured, but to insure this we only
measure the temperature change at a constant pressure. Any process operation which
takes place at constant pressure is referred to as an ISOBARIC process.

CHARLES LAW States that for any ISOBARIC process, the volume
of a given mass of gas at constant pressure, this volume is directly proportional to its
absolute temperature.

V = CT or V/T = C or V1/T1 = V2/T2

During many gas processes, the pressure and temperature change simultaneously. It is
desirable, therefore, to use a formula which relates to all these variables, pressure,
temperature, and volume and hence we derive a combined LAW.

COMBINED IDEAL GAS LAW

p1 V1 p2 V2
------- = -------
T1 T2

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Adiabatic Operations

An ISOTHERMAL gas process is one in which changes occur in the pressure and volume
of a fixed mass of gas, while the temperature remains constant. In practice an isothermal
process which does not involve a change of state, however is not so easily achieved. A
reciprocating compressor compresses a gas in a closed cylinder and experience tells us
that the action of the piston and the resulting compressed gas produces a rise in
temperature. Therefore the following design features will help to maximize the heat transfer
across the cylinder boundary;

1. Selection of a good thermal conductive material for the cylinder.

2. Provision of a cooling jacket
3. The cooling agent can be maintained at low temperature

In conclusion a practical compressor cannot produce ISOTHERMAL gas compression but

the provision of gas cooling can achieve a close approximation to this requirement.

An ADIABATIC process is one which no heat transfer occurs across the boundary of the
system; in a pistoncylinder system it is possible to theoretically achieve this, with the
provisions above and if the compression of the gas is so rapid that no heat transfer from the
gas takes place, compression heating is an example of energy conversion.

Energy Source Work Input Increase in Internal Energy

An ADIABATIC process is sometimes called an ISENTROPIC process as well.

A rapid COMPRESSION of gas produces a rise in temperature, so a rapid EXPANSION of
gas will produce a fall in temperature.

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Adiabatic Expansion

A rapid expansion of gas produces a fall in temperature, and this cooling effect is greatest
when heat is prevented from entering the system, producing conditions for ADIABATIC
expansion. There are a number of possible cooling affects;

1. The sudden reduction of the pressure of a pressurised liquid can induce rapid
evaporation which requires latent heat. If adiabatic conditions are imposed, this latent
heat is provided by internal energy of the liquid and the vapour which exhibits a fall in
temperature. An example of this would be the expansion valve of a refrigeration cycle.

2. A gas expanding against the piston of a expansion engine or simply overcoming a

external pressure will have work to do .This work has to be provided by some of the
internal energy of the gas which then exhibits a fall in temperature.

3. A gas which is expanding into a vacuum is not subject to any external work demand
and, therefore, we would not expect to a fall in temperature to occur. However cooling is
observed, below its inversion point, because of the rapid expansion of the gas causing
work to be done between internal attractive forces between its molecules. This
phenomenon is called the JOULE-THOMSON-EFFECT.

Any gas expansion operation occurring under approximate ADIABATIC conditions which
results in the cooling of the gas we will call JOULE-THOMSON-EFFECT, this is not strictly
correct but it provide a convenient form of reference.

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POLYTROPIC OPERATIONS

It should be clear that ISOTHERMAL and ADIABATIC operations are at the opposite ends
of the gas compression spectrum.

1. ISOTHERMAL processes require conditions of perfect heat transmission or a infinitely

slow rate of volume change

2. ADIABATIC processes require perfect insulation and instantaneous compression and

expansion of the gas.

These processes in the extreme are theoretical concepts, but provide useful indicators in
practical gas operations they are both called POLYTROPIC. In the case of gas compressor
it is desirable to aim for an ISOTHERMAL type of operation.
With so many different types and designs of compressor, many compressors are mistakenly
classified because of the overlap in design and size, the gases being compressed and the
materials. The basic way to classify compressors is by the energy/force required by the
compressor to compress and move gases and to produce an increase in pressure.
Therefore there are TWO basic classifications of a compressor.

1. That an energy/force that is continually added to the gases by a rotating impeller this
would be called DYNAMIC.

2. That an energy/force is periodically added to movable boundaries to the gas in an

enclosed casing this would be called DISPLACEMENT.
This should not be confused with the action of the moving parts in the compressor
1. Rotating
2. Reciprocating.
NOTE; A Gas is a Fluid, and Gases can be Compressed

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COMPRESSOR CLASSIFICATION

Compressors are classified according to

a) Dynamic or Displacement
b) Compressor Type
c) Orientation
d) Operating requirements and design

Dynamic Displacement

Compressor Type Compressor Type

Centrifugal Radial Reciprocating Rotary

Axial Piston Sliding Vane

Screw
Fan

Lobe

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COMPRESSOR TYPE

This is a sketch of different types of compressors, with their capacity and pressure ratings.

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Dynamic Centrifugal Radial

Centrifugal compressors are more widely used in the process plant for there flexibility of
scope of operational capacity. Centrifugal radial compressors are the most common type of
compressor used today in the oil industry; it allows very high volumetric flow rates and good
compression ratio. In addition to that it offers more power per unit of weight and is vibration
free. Centrifugal compressors, in contrast to reciprocating compressors, achieve
compression by applying inertial forces to the gas. The inertial forces are transmitted to the
gas by an impeller, a series of blades in a rotating wheel, which by dynamic centrifugal
motion adds velocity energy through acceleration of the gas. The gas flows from the
impeller into a diffuser where the gas decelerates, and velocity energy is transformed to
pressure energy.
The combination of inlet guide vane, impeller, and diffuser and diaphragm which is referred
to as a stage. A single centrifugal stage has a relatively low-pressure ratio-making
capability.
When larger ratios are desired, additional stages are added in series. This is called multi-
stage, thus a compressor mechanically connected in a line with more than one multi-stage
compressor, which is called a tandem compressor or more communally referred to as the
Compressor Train.

Theory of Operation
The theory of centrifugal compression can be described by considering the following main
parts, with particular reference to:
1. The volute casing.
2. The rotor or shaft.
3. The impeller.
4. The diffuser
A centrifugal compressor developing a lot of pressure with a low gas density needs to
produce a lot of polytrophic feet of head. This means that the centrifugal compressor
must
1. Be a high-speed machine
2. Have a lot of wheels or stages
3. Have large-diameter wheels

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The Volute casing

The casing may be constructed in several different ways according to user requirements.
For example a particular user may need the suction discharge and any side load
connections in a specified way. A side load connection is a facility that can be included in
the compressor design to permit gas take off at some intermediate pressure between inlet
and discharge conditions. For example, it may be used for fuel gas requirements
The choice of materials for construction of the casing depends on such factors as
corrosivity, temperature and pressure of the gas and the induced stresses of the
compression process. In the temperature range of -30C to 200C grey cast iron or steels
are some typical examples. However when temperatures lower than this are expected, or if
stresses are unusually high, then alloys are used. Corrosion is taken into account either by
making a corrosion allowance when determining casing thickness or by using corrosion
resistant alloys (e.g. stainless steel).

Horizontal split casing

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The Volute casing

In addition to the horizontally split casing there is also the vertically split type casing which
is usually employed in higher pressure service. The end plate is fixed to the casing by a
series of bolts which, when viewed from the side, form a vertical line. When the endplate is
unbolted and removed, internals consisting of the shaft and impellers etc. can be removed
as a complete unit. The cylindrical design of this type of casing provides high structural
integrity. By virtue of the symmetry, stresses (induced as a result of temperature increases)
are equally distributed thereby minimizing distortion effects that may often be prevalent in
other forms of compressor casing. The vertically split type casing is sometimes found with
an end plate at each end of the unit.

Vertically split casing (or barrel type)

The Rotor and Shaft

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A compressor which is equipped with two or more impellers (i.e. a multi-stage unit) has its
shaft / impeller, assembly and other associated equipment referred to as the rotor.
The shaft has to be fabricated from a high quality metal that can be engineered to fine
tolerances. These requirements would lead to the construction of a costly assembly and
therefore to minimize costs incurred the shaft is usually fabricated from stainless steel or
mild steel and later coated with a hardened metal such as chromium.
Certain points on the shaft surface are subjected to more wear than others. This is
particularly the case at sealing arrangements and therefore at these points the shaft is often
equipped with a removable sleeve fabricated from hardened alloys. This sleeve may be
renewed when the degree of wear has become excessive.

Shaft and rotor configurations

The Rotor and Shaft

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The shaft is engineered and manufactured to permit the following,

1. Location of sealing surfaces.

2. Acceptance of oil slinger rings.
3. Acceptance of balancing drum.
4. Coupling facilities to be installed at one end of the shaft.
5. Acceptance of shrink fitted impellers along the shaft.
6. Location of journal and thrust bearing surfaces.

The shaft supports the propellers and the balance piston. The shape and sizing of its cross-
section are such that the natural frequencies of the system lie outside the operating speeds
and, thus, no disturbing or resonant oscillations can occur. Predetermination of the natural
frequencies permits an operating speed above the rotor fundamental frequency. During the
calculation, consideration should be given to all the influences arising from the operating
speeds, the rotor weight, the operating conditions, the critical range of a possible bearing
instability and the distance between the first harmonic and the maximum operating speed.
The impellers and balance pistons are mostly shrunk onto the shaft. The advantages of this
are the smooth hub diameter producing uniform stress distribution over the whole periphery
and constant centring of the parts, fitted in this way.

Balance piston

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The balance piston compensates the residual unbalanced axial thrust of the impellers, in
the case of compressors where the impellers may be arranged back-to-back, the residual
thrust can be balanced to a great extent without a special balance piston.

Impellers

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The impellers are shaped according to the aerodynamic requirements. Chiefly, impellers
with backward-curved blades are used and these produce a steeper characteristic and,
thus, often stabilize the parallel operation of compressor and plant, even under fluctuating
operating conditions. More compression work and better mechanical stress distribution can
be achieved, admittedly at a somewhat lower efficiency, by an impeller with radial blades
(90 impeller semi open). With this type of impeller, the blade leading edge projects
forwards into the axial inlet, and the cover disc' often dispensed with. This makes higher
peripheral velocities possible as the maximum stressing occurs on the cover disc.

Such a semi-open impeller also has advantages for contaminated gases.

The impellers may be fixed in position on the shaft in a number of ways. The most common
method is the combination of shrink fit and keys. On some compressors, particularly units of
low speed, impellers are fastened to shafts with keys only. Some designs use a heavy
shrink fit without keys, this creates a maintenance problem during disassembly and
subsequent reassembly.

Impellers

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The various types of are: The blade is enclosed at the back by a disc and at the front by a
cover. This impeller is referred to as a "fully shrouded wheel". If there is no cover, that is,
if the wheel is open in the front, it is referred to as a "semi-shrouded wheel". If the
impeller consists of radial blades without cover and disc, that is, if the wheel is open on both
sides, it is called an open wheel or semi open.
The impeller that is basically a disc with a number of blades attached to it, it rotates and
hence accelerates gas molecules from its centre, or eye, to its rim by centrifugal force. The
increase in velocity, and hence kinetic energy, acquired by the molecules is converted to
potential energy in the form of pressure in the diffuser and, finally, in the volute casing.
A simple analogy can be used when considering the impeller action on the molecules.
Imagine what happens when an object such as a stone is attached to a piece of string held
in the hand and rotated. A force, which is termed centrifugal, tries to pull the string from
the hand. In the case of the rotating impeller, it is this force which accelerates the molecules
and, from Newton's second law, the acceleration, or velocity increase, is proportional to the
force.

Diaphragms

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The diaphragm is a device that separates the stages in a compressor. It is important to note
that vertically split and horizontally split casings possess horizontally split diaphragms to
permit easier maintenance.
The process of compression generates heat and the result of this is that in some large,
horizontally split compressors the heat can cause unwanted expansion of the diaphragm.
This effect can be prevented by supplying cooling water to the diaphragms.
The diaphragms may be fabricated from a variety of metals including cast iron, cast bronze,
cast steel and alloys.
Diaphragms made from cast iron cannot be subjected to high differential pressure without
failure occurring. In addition, thermal shock, as experienced by compressors in refrigeration
processes, must similarly be avoided where there are cast iron diaphragms. High
differential pressures usually occur during shutdowns of the compressor.

Diaphragm Arrangement

Process Application

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Sketch of Gas Turbine driven centrifugal compressor process

Critical speed in a Centrifugal Compressor

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The first critical speed is the name give to a rotating rotors own natural frequency which
can be given in RPM. At that frequency or rpm the rotors own vibration is at its maximum;
therefore it is not advisable to run a high speed compressor or turbomachinary at that
speed for any considerable time. The result would be damaging to that piece of machinery,
because of the other vibrations involved and the rotors own natural vibration. For normal
operations, the design speed rating of the compressor would be above that first critical
speed, of course there is a second critical speed, which is X times the speed of the first.
The second speed is usually above the speed of the driver, this speed would be protected
by an over-speed trip and shutdown. So therefore the normal operating condition of a multi-
stage compressor would be between the first critical speed and the second critical speed,
this becomes significant as it could become desirable to lower the operating speed of the
compressor and that would be a considerable factor and a restriction when surge is
involved. So at the start up of the package the acceleration of the driver must pass through
the first critical speed as quickly as possible, usually with the vibration detection on bypass.

Sketch of critical speed graph

Surge in centrifugal compressor

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In a centrifugal compressor there is, for every speed, a certain capacity below which the
operation is unstable. This breakdown point is called the surge point. The unstable,
pulsating operation after passing this point is called surge. The following is an explanation,
of surge, its effects and ways of preventing surge.

Explanation of surge

A sketch on the next page illustrates a typical centrifugal compressor impeller with
backward curved vanes; these are used for most industrial and process applications. A
vector diagram has been constructed at the impeller exit. The head developed in a stage of
a centrifugal compressor is a function of' the product of the tangential component of the
absolute velocity leaving the impeller and the hydraulic efficiency at a given relative speed.
As the capacity of the stage is reduced from the design value at constant speed, the value
of the relative velocity leaving the impeller is reduced very nearly in proportion to the
reduction in stage capacity. The angle of this relative velocity remains very nearly constant,
except-for the effect of "slip" which results from a circulation effect as the impeller TIP
speed is reduced. It is therefore apparent that, as the capacity is reduced at constant
speed, the value of the velocity leaving the impeller increases, and at a much greater rate
than the hydraulic efficiency which is reduced. The result is an increase in head developed
by the stage by the stage as the capacity is progressively reduced below the design value
and a typical centrifugal compressor head flow characteristic results.

Explanation of surge

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Sketch of the angle flow of gas from impeller at % capacity

Explanation of surge

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Impeller Flow-path

At the instant that the flow pattern collapses, the impeller is no longer able to maintain the
pressure rise which it had been developing. The pressure level in the receiver downstream
of the compressor is higher than that at some internal location and the flow there reverses
locally to follow the pressure gradient. This means that the capacity continues to reduce
until the downstream reservoir pressure is low enough for the impeller to overcome it. This
is indicated point (3) in a sketch on the next page. When the downstream pressure has
dropped level corresponding to point (3) the impeller can again-begin to deliver, and it
immediately handles a capacity corresponding to point (4)

Explanation of surge

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Impeller Flow-path

As this capacity is reduced, the impeller flow channel is not completely filled. Actually, some
localized recirculation occurs in the flow channel and the greater the reduction in flow, the
larger this circulation effect becomes.
At approximately 60% of the stage design capacity, the flow pattern of the impeller resulting
from this circulation effect collapses a unit then surges. The actual percentage is dependent
on its speed, Mach number and molecular-weight.

Explanation of surge

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If the condition which has caused surge has not been eliminated the compressor capacity
will again be progressively reduced along the constant speed curve through point (1) to
point (2), and the surge cycle will be repeated.
The frequency of the surge is obviously a function of the tine required for the compressor
capacity to change from point (2) through point (3) and point (4) and finally back to point (2),
if the downstream receivers capacity is large, the frequency of the surge will be low and the
violence of it will be audible. If the, downstream receiver capacity is small; the frequency will
be high and the violence considerably reduced and perhaps just barely audible. This also
depends on the pressure involved.

The higher the pressure, means greater the energy.

A check valve may be installed in the compressor discharge, pipe, as close to the
compressor, flange as possible to reduce the magnitude of surge if it occurs. Although a
centrifugal compressor stage, operating at constant speed, will surge at approximately 60%
of the design capacity, the stability of multi-stage units is appreciably lower. This follows
from the basic characteristic of each compressor stage, since at capacities less-than the
design; a greater volume reduction is obtained. Thus if each stage of a multi -stage
compressor surges at 60% of design capacity, the overall unit may surge at 70% of design
capacity of the inlet of the unit. This flow corresponds to 60% of the design capacity of the
last impeller because of the increased volume reduction encountered in the earlier stages.
A compressor will inevitably surge when the capacity through it is reduced too much for a
given speed, or if a greater pressure differential is imposed across it, than it can develop at
a given speed. Violent or prolonged surging may cause the thrust bearing to fail. Surging for
an-extended period of time will also cause the compressor to overheat. If the molecular
weight of the gas being handled increases above the molecular weight for which the
compressor was designed, then the stability of the compressor is decreased for a given
speed. Stability is defined as the difference of the design capacity and the capacity at
the surge point at design speed divided by the design capacity and is given as a
percent of the design capacity.

Methods to prevent surge

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Steps to be taken to bring a compressor out of surge:

1. Increase the flow from the process to compressor suction.

2. Increase the flow through the compressor by by-passing some of the gases being
pumped from the compressor discharge through a cooler back to the suction of the
unit.

3. Decrease the pressure ratio across the compressor by decreasing the discharge
pressure, or increasing the suction pressure, both if the flow is to remain constant.

What may be done to bring a compressor out of surge is dependent what can be done with
the process involved. If the speed remains constant then the flow of the compressor must
be increased or the pressure ratio across the compressor reduced, to eliminate surge.

1. If the process requires a higher pressure ratio than the compressor will be able to
develop at a given speed, an increase in pressure ratio is obtained by increasing the
speed of the compressor. This speed will be limited by the maximum allowable
operating speed of compressor, and driver.

2. If the process requires a lower capacity than the compressor can develop at a given
speed, the speed may be reduced if the pressure ratio can be reduced. When the
speed is lowered, the first critical speed of the compressor and driver may be the
limiting factor.

Surge is a phenomenon that, when better understood, will permit the centrifugal
compressor to be properly installed and operated by the oil companies.

Lubrication Systems (solar turbines)

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The lube oil system is completely intergraded with the equipment driving the compressor;
the package is usually on-skid or off-skid in larger units. The system consists of a cooler,
duplex filter, pumps, and regulating valves, as well as devices for protection against
low-pressure and high-temperature conditions. The oil tank is a reservoir incorporated into
the base of the skid for on-skid and a separate tank for off-skid. The lube oil must meet the
requirements of the manufacturers specifications; most turbine oils meet this specification.
A centrifugal compressor because of the speeds required usually now is driven by a gas
turbine, if the gas turbine is an aero-derivative gas turbine (Allison, GE, Rolls-Royce), the oil
for the gas producer, is usually synthetic oil ( for the higher temperatures involved) that
means the oil for the gas compressor is from a separate skid.
If the gas turbine is an industrial unit (Solar) the oil will be mineral, so the oil for the gas
turbine and gas compressor are usually from the same skid.

Note: Synthetic oil and Mineral oil should not be mixed, Synthetic oil is Carcinogenic and
technicians should wear proper protection when using the oil.

The lubrication system is part of the control logic of the gas turbine and compressor, also
part of the control logic is the process valves. The first piece of equipment thats ON after
the compressor is started is the lube pump, to give permissive commands for the start; the
second piece of equipment is the seal oil pump for the compressor seals, if the compressor
has dry gas seals the compressor will not require a seal pump.

Lube oil system

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Oil is delivered to the compressor bearings by the pre/post lube oil in a pre-determined
period of time. As the driver (turbine accelerates) the pre/post oil pump is shut down and all
lube oil is supplied by the turbine-driven main pump. At first the compressor starts with cold
oil, oil from the pumps by-passing the cooler through a temperature control valve in the lube
piping, after the oil heats up to operating temperature, the valve controls the flow of oil to
the cooler and is maintained at the required operating temperature.
The pre/post lube oil system consists of a pneumatic, 230/460-volt, 60-Hz, or a 380-volt,
50-Hz, three-phase motor-driven lube pump to supply necessary lube pressure prior to
turbine start and after shutdown. A pneumatic or 120-vdc motor-driven lube pump backup
system is some time used.
The off-skid air/oil cooler fan is driven by a 230/460-volt, three-phase, 60-Hz, a 380-volt,
three-phase, 50-Hz motor, or a hydraulic motor. The standard lube air/oil cooler is suitable
for ambient temperatures up to 430C (1100F). For ambient temperatures up to 60*C
(1400F), a high ambient temperature lube oil cooler system is available.
An off-skid water/oil cooler requiring approximately 570 liters/min (150 gal/min) of water at a
maximum temperature of 320C (900F) is also available.
An oil make-up system is also available. This system consists of an oil level regulator,
complete with a slow flow meter installed and piped through the side of the skid. The
function of the system is to meter and maintain a minimum oil level in the tank. An external
oil supply with a head of 5 meters (16 feet) is required at the skid connection.
A remote mounted coalescer element can be provided to remove oil from the lube oil tank
vent. The oil is allowed to drain back to the lube oil tank while the remaining vapor is either
exhausted to atmosphere or dispersed using turbine exhaust draft. Lube tank back
pressure is maintained by a 2301460-volt, 60-Hz or a 380-volt, 50-Hz, three-phase fan
motor. When the disperser is included, a flame trap is remotely mounted downstream of the
coalescer.

Sketch of simplified lube oil piping of compressor (solar turbines)

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Seal Oil and Buffer Gas System (solar Turbines)

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The gas compressor seal oil and buffer system is directly connected to the package lube oil
system and discharges oil to the lube oil drain system. The seal oil system is an integral
system requiring no customer-furnished piping or connections.
The seal oil system consists of a turbine-driven or a 380/460-volt, three-phase, 50/60-Hz
main seal oil pump, motor-driven auxiliary seal oil pump, filter, flow regulator, pressure
gauge, differential pressure switch, differential pressure regulator, differential pressure
gauge, and relief valve.
Seal oil supplied to the compressor is maintained in the system nominally at 140 kPa (20
psi) higher than suction pressure by the differential pressure regulator. Prior to and during
turbine start-up, seal oil is provided by the 380/460-volt, three-phase, 50/60 Hz auxiliary
seal oil pump which operates until the main seal oil pump provides the required pressure. A
differential pressure switch starts the auxiliary pump and activates a unit shutdown if
differential pressure is not maintained. Seal oil will be supplied to the compressor at
approximately 19 to 23 liters per minute (5 to 6 gpm).
The buffer gas system contains a relief valve, differential pressure valve, and seal oil and
buffer gas trap. Buffer gas is supplied by gas leaking across the balancing-piston labyrinth
seal in the discharge end of the compressor; in the event of very low operating compression
ratios, gas is supplied through a restricting orifice in a line connected to the compressor
discharge nozzle. Buffer gas pressure is maintained at suction pressure plus 103 kPa (15
psi) by the differential pressure regulator.
In the compressor, the buffer gas mixes with seal oil after flowing across the shaft labyrinth
seals, the oil and gas mixture drains into the trap that contains both a separator and a
coalescer. The mixture is separated with the oil returning to the oil tank and the buffer gas
returning to the compressor suction port.
A degassing tank can be provided to further separate the oil and impressed gas after it has
returned to atmospheric pressure downstream from the trap drain.
Either a pneumatic motor-driven backup pump or an overhead rundown tank system is
provided for seal protection in the event of an ac power failure.

Seal Oil and Buffer Gas System (solar Turbines)

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Both the seal oil system and the lube oil system are linked to operate with the control of the
driver (turbine); therefore the control system must monitor the completion of the valve
sequencing operation. The compressor suction, discharge, by-pass, loading valve and vent
valves must be in the correct position at start, and also they must follow the correct
sequence of opening and closing during the pressurization of the compressor.
Once the compressor valves are in the proper position, and the compressor pressurized
then the turbine starts. The turbine accelerates to "online" power level, the auxiliary seal oil
pump shuts down, and the turbine-driven main seal oil pump provides all oil requirements.
On turbine shutdown, the auxiliary seal oil pump is actuated immediately and operates until
the compressor case is depressurized.

Seal Oil and Buffer Gas System (solar Turbines)

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Sketch of simplified seal oil and buffer gas piping (solar turbines)

Compressor seals

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The most common seal in the compressor is the labyrinth seal below is a sketch of various
types of laby seals as their called

Sketchs of a Contact and Oil film type seals

Created by Emerson McNeish Page 31 of 32

MECHANICAL OJT MTT 11

Created by Emerson McNeish Page 32 of 32