Synchronous motor driven centrifugal compressors are widely used in the Oil and Gas industry. In evaluating the optimum selection of synchronous motor drivers for centrifugal compressors, it is important to understand the factors influencing a proper match for a centrifugal compressor and its synchronous motor driver. The purchaser should specify process requirements and define possible operating scenarios for the entire life of the motor driven centrifugal compressor train. Process conditions defined by the purchaser, will be used by the compressor designer to design the aero-thermodynamic behavior of the compressor and characterize compressor performance. Performance, controllability, starting capabilities as well as optimum power margin required for a future-oriented design must all be considered. This paper is intended to review the criteria for evaluating the optimal combination of a centrifugal compressor and its synchronous motor driver as an integral package. It also addresses API standard requirements on synchronous motor driven centrifugal compressors. Design considerations for optimal selection and proper sizing of compressor drivers include large starting torque requirements to enable compressor start from settle-out conditions and to prevent flaring the gas. Start-up capabilities of the motor driver can significantly impact the reliability and operability of the compressor train. API 617 on centrifugal compressors refers to API 546 for synchronous motor drivers. In this paper, requirements of API 617 and 546 are reviewed and several important design and sizing requirements are presented. In the effort to optimize plant design, and maintain the performance requirements, the paper discusses optimization options, such as direct on line starting method to explore the motor rating limits, and the use of synchronous motors for power factor correction to eliminate or reduce the need for reactive power compensation by capacitor banks. This paper presents a novel approach to show constant reactive power lines on traditional V curves. It also complements capability curves of synchronous motors with lines of constant efficiency.


Matching of Synchronous Motors and Centrifugal Compressors: Oil and Gas Industry Practice

Division / Sponsor:
International Gas Turbine Institute (IGTI)

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/GT/GT2020/volume/84058

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