Simulation on actuator response time of capacity adjustment system in reciprocating compressor

Large scale reciprocating compressor in petrochemical process is usually operated under partial load based on the system condition, and adjusted its capacity by controlling suction valve is an efficient method for energy saving. In this paper, a mathematical model coupled suction valve and actuator is built to describe the dynamic response process of suction valve and actuator and the response time influenced by some parameters are analyzed. The simulation results show that the power consumption has a variation of approximately direct proportion with the mass flow rate. The response time of actuator increases with the diameter of hydraulic cylinder either in opening or closing process. The high pressure oil supply and low pressure oil discharge lead to the faster motion of actuator. The larger opening time and smaller closing time can be obtained by increasing the thickness of reset spring. Optimizing the parameters of actuator is helpful to improve the system performance.