Compressor Controls Corporation

Paul F Fisher

Krishnan Narayanan

Saul Mirsky

Many variables in processes such as those using turbocompressors and turbines must be limited or constrained. Limit control loops are provided for the purpose of limiting these variables. By using a combination of closed loop and open loop limit control schemes, excursions into unfavorable operation can be more effectively avoided. Transition between open loop and closed loop may be enhanced by testing the direction and magnitude of the rate at which the limit variable is changing. If the rate of change indicates recovery is imminent, control is passed back to the closed loop limit control function.

Apparatus for the prevention of critical process variable excursions in one or more turbomachines

Method and apparatus for the prevention of critical process variable excursions in one or more turbomachines

The stroking speed of an antisurge control valve is impeded by the combined damping effects of signal dead time and the inherent lag of ancillary pneumatic components within a primary control loop. Furthermore, as control valve actuator size increases, the negative influence of these two impediments (dead time and lag) is amplified. As a result, control valve response times are adversely affected; and the possibilities of surge-induced compressor damage and process upsets are heightened. For these reasons, this disclosure relates to a method for protecting turbocompressors from impending surge, and for preventing subsequent process upsets, by improving antisurge control. But more specifically, it describes a technique for decreasing damping effects by evacuating control valve actuators (diaphragm or piston) through restrictions having a lower resistance to compressible-fluid flow rather than through volume boosters--consequently, increasing a control valve's opening speed to that of an emergency shutdown. The proposed method (1) allows continuous control of antisurge control valves and (2) incorporates both solenoid valves and quick exhaust valves (located adjacent to the actuators) which are manipulated by predefined discrete signals from antisurge controllers.

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West Des Moines, IA, United States of America

Paul F Fisher