• Compressors, pumps and their associated drivers are the heart of many industrial processes, particularly those in the process and energy industries.
• The proper selection, design and continuing operation of these critical components are integral to the efficiency, reliability and profitability of any industrial process.
• While understanding the design details of equipment from a specific supplier is important, it is also essential to recognize how that equipment will operate and interrelate with the process into which it is installed. Variations in process conditions and transients can significantly impact the operation and reliability of a piece of equipment. An understanding of those impacts are necessary to ensure problem free operation.
• Our extensive experience with the design and operation support of compression and pumping equipment within industrial processes provides a unique perspective on addressing challenges associated with the application of fluid handling equipment design and application.

Optimum selection of fluid handling equipment based upon defined process design parameters is critical to the long term reliable operation of the equipment and process. Utilization of fundamental machine design parameters and guidelines allows independent and supplier selection validation for a given application. This should include both the aero/thermodynamic and mechanical design of the equipment.

Although knowledge of the  equipment design is important to ultimate successful operation, it is also necessary to understand how the equipment interacts with the process. Involvement in the design of the entire associated system is critical to ensure reliable operation. This should include impacts of vessels and other process equipment, piping and valves. Development of a robust control philosophy is also an important system design factor. Finally, an investigation of potential process variations and transients is also necessary to ensure an adequate design.

Monitoring of the detailed design and the manufacturing process is normally justified to more fully understand design limitations and any complications encountered during the making and assembly of the equipment. This culminates with a factory acceptance testing program which is intended to demonstrate the mechanical and thermodynamic performance characteristics of the machine. Documentation and comprehension of these actual performance characteristics act to validate the original design assumptions and provide insight into the operation of the machine in the field. It is also important to understand the implications and potential cost and benefits of optional testing programs that may be considered.

Once the machinery is installed and operating in the field, periodic evaluation of its mechanical and thermodynamic performance may be warranted. This is the case even with equipment that may be continuously monitored by some users. Variations in process characteristics and conditions affect the operating points and parameters of the machinery. Equipment fouling and degradation will also result in modifications to equipment operating behaviors. An enhanced understanding of these potential impacts to the machinery performance leads to a more effective monitoring and maintenance program.