Centrifugal and axial compressor operation and performance are sensitive to velocity and mass distribution at the suction, just as pumps and other rotating equipment. When a compressor's factory performance test is run, the ASME Power Test Code (PTC-10) requires a fully developed uniform velocity and mass flow profile entering the compressor. To accomplish this, PTC-10 states two requirements. First, a minimum straight run of three pipes diameters is required between the last elbow and compressor inlet. Second, a flow equalizer is required at the straight pipe inlet to produce a flat velocity profile and assure an even distribution of gas into the compressor inlet.

In field operations, however, compressors do not have this ideal suction piping configuration. Poor field suction piping includes single, double, and triple elbows immediately upstream of of the compressor, which create a considerable amount of distortion. For example, large multistage axial or centrifugal compressors that are used to supply air for refinery fluid catalytic cracking units, as shown above, have upstream turns in the air suction piping which results in non-uniform mass and flow profiles approaching the splitter in the compressor casing

Large Air Compressor In Oil Refinery had Mitered Elbow Close to Compressor Air Intake.



Use of Cheng Rotation Vane Removed Turbulence Caused by Elbow And Increased Air Inlet Flow Rate. 

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Our flow conditioners are custom made to specifically address each piping issue offering the greatest achievable flow correction.