Відео

Hello and thanks for the question. Compressor surge typically occurs in the first few seconds after shutdown. It would be difficult to get the discharge valve closed that quickly. However, there is probably a check valve somewhere on the discharge header to reduce the discharge volume to be equalized to suction. If the blow-down valve can achieve a very high flow, it would be possible to avoid surge with this strategy. The allowable flow rate to the flare would also need to be considered, especially in situations where the entire facility is blowing down, such as emergency shutdown. I've not seen this design before. I think it could be just as reliable as a recycle anti-surge system, but it would not be my preferred strategy. With a recycle system the discharge gas is being moved to the suction header, which helps equalize pressure across the compressor. Also, the recycle approach avoids the concerns about high flow to the flare, which is not a trivial problem.

Thank you!