Suction Control Valve in Compressors

[SaraChem]

What is the reasons to have suction control valve in the suction line of recip compressors? is it to help with smoother start up ??
in this case, we have the max suction pressure of 500 psig, pipeline will not see more than 500 psig however it may see less .
I have done some runs, and compressor can handle the max suction pressure.
On site, we have ESD upstream of the compressor for safety device

 

[Pulsater555]

Hello SaraChem,

Yes a suction pressure control valve (SPCV) does help with the ease of starting up a gas compressor. If your pipeline feeding the gas compressor will vary in pressures it would be recommended to include a suction pressure control valve. SPCV are also useful at start up, depending on your philosophy, the SPCV during start up will remain shut while the compressor is in full bypass mode to build pressure, the SPCV will slowly open allowing for pipeline gas to feeding the compressor. Again, based on your controls philosophy.

If your suction pressure is fairly constant, a SPCV is not required.

 

[georgeverghese]

Very likely that the compressor motor cannot handle the capacity / power demand corresponding to high suction pressure, since this is a recip machine. Presume you dont have VSD and may be only limited capacity modulation by suction valve unloaders or pocket clearance.

 

[LittleInch]

You don't explain this very well I'm afraid.

What is the sequence here? Suction pressure from ?? feeding a recip compressor going into a pipeline.

Is the discharge pressure of pipeline less than suction pressure?? If s just bypass the compressor??

Needs a bit more explaination

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