Predicting Power Cost of Reciprocating Compressor Manifolds

Pressure drop occurring in the cylinder gas passages, piping, vessels and coolers, as well as pulsation control devices, can cause extra power to be consumed. In a worst case scenario the additional power may overload the driver requiring a reduction in the compressor load step to reduce the flow being delivered by the compressor. This increase in power or reduction in flow come with a considerable cost or lost revenue opportunity. Therefore, accurate calculation of the pressure and power loss is required to properly size the compressor and driver.