Industry News

Key Considerations for Installing Centrifugal Air Compressors

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.

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