Compressor Field Performance Analysis & Testing

MSE has carried out performance testing of a wide range of gas compressors operating in the field, using ASME PTC 10 Class I procedures, which use the actual gases for which the machines were initially designed. Where it is not possible to duplicate the exact design compositions, flows and pressures, however, operating pressures and flows are similar to the original design (which allows the Class I test procedures to be applied). MSE determines non-dimensional performance of the machine which ascertains the underlying compressor performance.

Field Tests Vs. Factory Tests

Factory performance tests are carried out by the manufacturer, in accordance with ASME PTC 10 Class II procedures, these tests are conducted with simulated gases at very low pressures and speeds to conserve compression power and fuel costs for the test. These factory test results determine the aerodynamic performance of the compressors which is then applied to field operating conditions using corrections for Reynolds Numbers which has the effect of increasing efficiency.

Field testing of compressors is quite different from factory testing. Factory tests are performed on newly built machines while the compressors operating in the field are invariably old and have been in service over a number of years. Therefore it is reasonable to assume the field performance would differ from the factory test and would be generally lower as a result of wear and fouling etc.

However, MSE's experience of testing a very large number of compressors in the field has shown that the compressor performance in the field can be very different from the factory tests. MSE has carried out extensive research on this subject and published papers in professional publications: Determining the Real Performance of Centrifugal Compressors Operating in Oil and Gas Production Facilities.

Compressor Performance Testing Services