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Method for detecting the occurrence of surge in a centrifugal compressor by detecting the change in the mass flow rate

  • US 6,213,724 B1
  • Filed: 09/01/1999
  • Issued: 04/10/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/22/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for detecting the change in the compressible fluid mass flow rate that accompanies surge in a compressor, the compressor having means for sensing a first fluid temperature, means for sensing a first pressure, means for sensing a second pressure, and means for measuring current drawn by a compressor prime mover, the method comprising the steps of:

  • (A) calculating the time rate of change of the first fluid temperature for a time interval by sensing a present first fluid temperature and subtracting a previous value first fluid temperature from the present first fluid temperature;

    (B) calculating the time rate of change of the first fluid pressure for a time interval by sensing a present first fluid pressure and subtracting a previous value first fluid pressure from the present first fluid pressure;

    (C) calculating the time rate of change of the second fluid pressure for a time interval by sensing a present second fluid pressure and subtracting a previous value second fluid pressure from the present second fluid pressure;

    (D) calculating the time rate of change of current drawn by the compressor prime mover by sensing a present drawn current and subtracting a previous value prime mover current drawn;

    (E) calculating the mass flow rate by combining the rates of change calculated in steps (A), (B), (C), and (D); and

    (F) comparing the calculated mass flow rate to a predetermined acceptable mass flow rate to determine if surge is present.

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