A Practical Guide to Compressor Technology

A Complete overview of theory, selection, design, operation, andmaintenance This text offers a thorough overview of the operatingcharacteristics, efficiencies, design features, troubleshooting,and maintenance of dynamic and positive displacement process gascompressors. The author examines a wide spectrum of compressorsused in heavy process industries, with an emphasis on improvingreliability and avoiding failure. Readers learn both the theoryunderlying compressors as well as the myriad day-to-day practicalissues and challenges that chemical engineers and plant operationpersonnel must address. The text features: * Latest design and manufacturing details of dynamic and positivedisplacement process gas compressors * Examination of the full range of machines available for theheavy process industries * Thorough presentation of the arrangements, materialcomposition, and basic laws governing the design of all importantprocess gas compressors * Guidance on selecting optimum compressor configurations,controls, components, and auxiliaries to maximize reliability * Monitoring and performance analysis for optimal machinerycondition * Systematic methods to avoid failure through the application offield-tested reliability enhancement concepts * Fluid instability and externally pressurized bearings * Reliability-driven asset management strategies forcompressors * Upstream separator and filter issues The text's structure is carefully designed to build knowledgeand skills by starting with key principles and then moving to moreadvanced material. Hundreds of photos depicting various types ofcompressors, components, and processes are provided throughout. Compressors often represent a multi-million dollar investmentfor such applications as petrochemical processing and refining,refrigeration, pipeline transport, and turbochargers andsuperchargers for internal combustion engines. This text enablesthe broad range of engineers and plant managers who work with thesecompressors to make the most of the investment by leading them tothe best decisions for selecting, operating, upgrading,maintaining, and troubleshooting.