What is an integrally geared compressor?

An integrally geared centrifugal compressor is a multi-shaft compressor in which each stage is a three-dimensional (3D) impeller operated at its optimum speed. They also offer near-isotherm compression with an intercooler after one or two impellers (every stage or sometimes every two stages).

What are the advantages and disadvantages of centrifugal compressor?

Advantages, Disadvantages And Applications of Centrifugal Compressor

• Low weight, easy to design and manufacture.
• Suitable for continuous compressed air supply, such as cooling unit.
• The oil free in nature.
• They have fewer rubbing parts.
• High-flow rate than the positive displacement compressor.

What is RG compressor?

An integrally geared centrifugal compressor (RG) serves as the downstream air compressor. It increases the pressure of the pre-pressurized air with the help of up to six compressor stages that are arranged around a single casing with integral gear unit.

What is API 617?

API STD 617. January 1, 1995. Centrifugal Compressors for Petroleum, Chemical, and Gas Service Industries. This standard covers the minimum requirements for centrifugal compressors used in petroleum, chemical, and gas industries services that handle air or gas.

What is bull gear?

Bull gear. The term bull gear is used to refer to the larger of two spur gears that are in engagement in any machine. The smaller gear is usually referred to as a pinion.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a compressor?

Good energy-efficiency compared to piston-type compressors. Relatively low end temperature of compressed air….Advantages:

• Very quiet. Really very quiet!
• Compact. A scroll compressor is very small.
• Simple design, not so many parts.
• Low maintenance (hardly any)
• Oil-free design.

What is hermetic compressor?

Hermetic compressor: A hermetic or sealed compressor is one in which both compressor and motor are confined in a single outer welded steel shell. Hermetic compressors are ideal for small refrigeration systems, where continuous maintenance (replenishing refrigerant and oil charge etc) cannot be ensured.

What is the advantage of centrifugal compressor?

Advantages of the centrifugal compressor are that it is easier to design and manufacture, and it can often increase the pressure enough for efficient combustion with only one stage.

What is API pump?

A type of pump designed to meet the American Petroleum Institute (API) 610 standard for pumps handling hydrocarbons. They come in many different forms and may employ a number of pumping mechanisms. The API 610 standard is limited to centrifugal pumps, but API process pumps come in many different configurations.

What are the disadvantages of an integrally geared compressor?

One disadvantage of an integrally geared compressor is that each impeller needs to be sealed, an arrangement for which labyrinth seals are acceptable. This is one reason integrally geared units were being used for air supply systems long before process applications.

Is there a reliability-versus-other-factors trade-off between centrifugal compressors?

This reliability-versus-other-factors trade-off usually helps to bring more centrifugal compressors into various process applications. However, this approach might lead to selecting conventional-type centrifugal compressors for every application without considering advantages of integrally geared machines for specific applications.

What is the difference between synchronous and centrifugal compressors?

Integrally geared machines driven by synchronous motors require special considerations. Integrally geared centrifugal compressors are usually around 15% to 30% less expensive, around a 10% to 15% shorter fabrication period. In spite of lower prices, they introduce more risks, less reliability and more maintenance

What are the advantages of inline compressors?

This chapter discusses the advantages of IGC architecture compared with typical inline compressor designs—these advantages generally include smaller overall footprint, greater modularity, and improved efficiency.