3D SIM 8010 Centrifugal Compressor

The Centrifugal Compressor process consists of a single stage 5.5MW natural gas compressor with a full anti surge control system. Other units in the main process include a suction knock out drum and water-cooled shell and tube after cooler.

The system also has utility systems such as Lube and Seal oil, Vibration Monitoring and has a blowdown system with CCTV flare monitoring available in the control room.
The compressor speed is controlled via a suction pressure/discharge flow cascade loop and level in the knockout drum is controlled via gap control. Every level measurement has local sight glasses to allow visual inspection of level in the 3D environment.

The lube and seal oil systems consist of a sump, pump, header tank and pre-cooler which are required to be running for the compressor to be operated. The seal oil system floats on the suction pressure of the compressor and uses the hydrostatic head created by the header tank to create a pressure slightly higher than that of the compressor.

There is a full ESD and anti-surge system and a local panel in the 3D environment which is used during compressor Startup and shutdown.

The instructor pages detail all hand valves, sight glasses and other pieces of equipment usually only found in the field and operated by the field operator.

• Learn what Compression is and what a compressor plant is like in real life and in the control room
• Understand how a centrifugal compressor achieves compression.
• Understand its application with an Oil and Gas process.
• Understand what Surge and Stone Wall conditions are.
• Understand the implementation and use of an Anti – Surge Control system.
• Use and understand compressor head curves to monitor dynamic conditions.
• Learn about liquid knock out and its importance to the process.
• Learn to operate a centrifugal compressor and its ancillary systems during both
  normal and abnormal conditions.
• Understand the safest ways to Startup and Shutdown the plant.
• Understand how to safely isolate part of a plant before plant maintenance takes place.
• Understand how to identify a fault and safely operate the plant to mitigate its effect.
• Learn how Control Room and Field Operators have to communicate clearly and effectively, especially under adverse conditions.