Compressor Anti-Surge protection is required on all continuous-flow

(centrifugal and axial) compressors. These units are used in natural gas
pipeline, LNG refrigerant, and chemical / petrochemical processes. Sizes
range from small electric motor driven units to those driven by large gas
turbines.

Anti-Surge protection is provided by a control valve that opens allowing gas

from the compressor outlet to re-circulate to the inlet. Compressor surge
happens when the downstream flow demand changes and doesnt match
the current compressor operating point. The flow control system will
change the driver (turbine or motor) speed if possible to adjust to the new
flow rate, but the speed of the large rotating mass (driver + compressor)
often can't be changed quickly enough to match the change in operating
point. When the compressor speed and corresponding design flow rate
don't match the actual system demand, flow reversal can occur in the
compressor. Without outside intervention the flow reversal cycle will
continue placing seals and other internal parts under great stress.
Complete compressor failure is possible.

So this is a critical, control valve application. There are two typical

requirements for this valve. The first is a fast stroking speed. The valve
must provide recycle flow in the same time frame as the flow transient. In
this compressible-flow system pressure pulses can travel at the speed of
sound, so the valve reaction must be very quick. This requires special
actuator sizing and instrumentation, typical required stroking speed is full
open in 750 msec to 2 seconds. The second typical requirement is low
valve noise, usually 85 dBA. This usually requires Whisper Trim.

Low noise trim and special actuation to accommodate the fast stroking time
are the defining valve requirements. Fisher has capability for all surge
control applications. The largest units are in LNG plants where economy of
scale is still provides opportunity.