Conference article

Operator training simulators (OTS) are a valuable tool for improving the competence of both process operators and engineers. As pumps, compressors and turbines are vital parts of any process plant, accurate modeling of these machines is crucial for a dynamic process simulator. The behavior of the machines is usually described by operating curves provided by the manufacturer. However, these curves are strictly valid only for the specific process conditions they were created for. Accurate prediction of the operation outside of these specific conditions may present a formidable challenge. To further improve the accuracy the NAPCON Simulator, a new dynamic modeling method was developed for the centrifugal compressors. The stability of the developed model was verified by dynamic ramp tests of the operating conditions. Furthermore, the accuracy of the developed model was determined by performing process data tests. The results were promising and, in most cases, an improvement from the performance of the currently implemented model.

dynamic simulation, operator training simulator, centrifugal compressors, off-design operation, exit flow coefficient