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Chapter

12

Compression Equipment

(Including Fans)

Compression of gases and vapors is an important opera- Determining and specifying the required process perfor-
tion in chemical and petrochemical plants. It is necessary to mance and mechanical requirements, including the corro-
be able to specify the proper type of equipment by its char- sive and hazardous nature and the moisture content of the
acteristic performance. The compression step is conve- fluids (gases/vapors) to be compressed, is important.
niently identified for the process design engineer by the
principal operation of the equipment: General Application Guide
1. Reciprocating Figures 12-1A, 12-1B, 12-1C, and 12-1D present a general
2. Centrifugal view of the usual ranges of capacity and speed operation for
3. Rotary displacement the types of compression equipment listed. For pressure
4. Axial flow conversions of Figure 12-1B, 1000 psi 6.8947 mpa.

Compression may be from below atmospheric as in a
vacuum pump or above atmospheric as for the majority of
process applications. The work done by Scheel 47, 77, 138 is useful.
The purpose of this chapter is to acquaint the process and
mechanical engineer with the basic details of reciprocating,
centrifugal, and other major types of process compressors.

Figure 12-1B. Approximate ranges of application for usual process
reciprocating, centrifugal, diaphragm, and axial-flow compressors
used in chemical/petrochemical processes. Note that ethylene gas
reciprocating compressors in the low-density, high-pressure process
can reach 50,000 to 65,000 psi; 1,000 psi 6.8947 mpa; for example,
Figure 12-1A. General areas of compressing equipment applications. 500 mpa 72,519 psi (some additions by this author). ( Used by per-
(Used by permission (with changes and additions by this author): Des mission: Livingston, E. H. Chemical Engineering Progress, V. 89, No.
Jardins, P. R. Chemical Engineering, V. 63, No. 6, ©1956. McGraw-Hill, 2, ©1993. American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Inc. All rights
Inc., New York. All rights reserved.) reserved.)

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