Compressed Air Best Practices® (CABP) Magazine recently caught up with Rick Stasyshan, Compressed Air and Gas Institute’s (CAGI) Technical Consultant, and Ian MacLeod of CAGI member company,
CABP: Where is a good place to start when considering the installation of a centrifugal compressor system?
CAGI: The installation of any type of air compressor requires proper planning as well as adherence to the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines.
Planning a Centrifugal Air Compressor Installation
CABP: What are some of the areas to be considered during this planning process?
CAGI: The end user or customer should convene a pre-installation meeting with the user site managers, site maintenance staff, the compressor manufacturer’s technical representative(s), and the contractors responsible for installation.
CABP: Actual location of the equipment can impact system performance. What are your thoughts on this point?
CAGI: The reality is proper location selection can assure the user of receiving maximum value from their system over its economic life.
CABP: And what about future service and maintenance considerations?
CAGI: All compressors will require periodic inspection and maintenance.
CABP: Do centrifugal compressors require “special foundations”?
CAGI: No they do not. The foundation should be free of any external sources of vibration created by nearby equipment.
Major Considerations for Inlet Air
CABP: How does ambient temperature impact centrifugal compressor operation?
CAGI: The ambient environment can adversely impact a compressor system’s reliability, and centrifugal compressor systems are not an exception.
CABP: I assume when you mention adequate ventilation, you are referring to inlet air. What are some of the considerations?
CAGI: Yes, once the location is determined and finalized, it is time to consider connection points.
Designing Ventilation for Centrifugal Air Compressors
CABP: In our discussions on the equipment, you had mentioned bypass piping as part of the scope of supplier equipment. Is now a good time to discuss this installation?
CAGI: Most centrifugal compressors have a shipped loose bypass silencer. The silencer can be installed indoors or outdoors.
CABP: Assuming the compressor is now installed, leveled, and we have inlet air, I guess it is time to connect to the plant’s demand side. What are your thoughts?
CAGI: The discharge piping has to be rated according to the expected compressor pressure and temperature.
CABP: Compressor performance depends on adequate cooling of the compressors. Can you share your thoughts on this subject?
CAGI: Water quality is equally as important as air quality. Consult with the compressor representative regarding water quality and quantity requirements.
CABP: Please provide some commentary on the electrical hook-up.
CAGI: The design and installation of electrical systems should be performed by qualified personnel and must meet all applicable electrical codes.
CABP: Any closing thoughts?
CAGI: We recommend users always thoroughly review and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for a safe and successful installation.
CABP: Where to get information concerning centrifugal compressors and other information available from CAGI.
CAGI: CAGI’s Centrifugal Compressor Section members include Atlas Copco, Cameron, FS Elliott and Ingersoll Rand.
