Equivalent Performance Testing of Multisection Compressors

Abstract

Equivalent performance testing of multisection compressors has largely been ignored by the various test codes. Existing code methods have been modified and adapted for testing multisection compressors by the manufacturers and users. The performance testing of two types of multisection units—the externally cooled and the sideload compressor—are discussed here. Each compressor type has had specific test difficulties that require identification and resolution. Prior to the start of testing, an overview of the problems, along with some solutions, is presented.