Open Architecture Compressor Control (OACC) System

Emerson Process Management offers open architecture fuel control, surge control, and unit sequencing control for centrifugal compressors, and air/fuel ratio, ignition timing, torque, pocket loading, and unit sequencing for reciprocating compressors, in mainline, gathering, or plant service. These control functions use industry standard programmable controllers (PLCs) or DCS and fuel control valves, thereby reducing capital and maintenance costs, and reducing dependence on vendors. This is a very cost-effective solution for retrofitting existing compressors that are either experiencing maintenance problems or undergoing expansion.

Emerson Process Management can tailor OACC to the particular equipment standards of the owner. Emerson Process Management can also integrate portions of OACC with existing fuel controllers or other devices.

An OACC package normally consists of:

• Industry-standard PLC- or DCS-based unit controller
• Industry standard PC-based operator interface with very intuitive Windows-based graphic displays
• Optional Fisher fuel control valve
• PLC software that performs unit sequencing, fuel control, and/or surge control
• Control panel/cabinet with hardware and terminations
• Complete documentation for installation, operators, and maintenance
• Training
• Commissioning services
• On-site support services in the future, if required.

Benefits of OACC include:

• Independence from vendors
• Lower capital and operating costs
• Increased availability compared to older pneumatic and relay-based systems
• Reduced maintenance due to
  • Fewer spares
  • Off the shelf components
  • Easy monitoring, modifications
• Reduced training requirements for operations and maintenance personnel
• Open architecture for easy integration with
  • Existing or future control systems
  • Other units, or plants
  • SCADA and DCS systems
  • Health monitoring systems.

The following control functions are available for centrifugal and reciprocating compressors, and can be configured to meet the purchaser's specific requirements.

• ESD control strategies
• Flow, pressure and process measurement and control
• Sequencing (start and stop)
• Alarm and shutdown management
• Vital systems monitoring and shutdowns
• Auxiliary systems control and monitoring
• Load control
• Speed control
• Surge control
• Suction, discharge and auxiliary valve control
• Health monitoring and engine/compressor analysis, either via OACC or using other systems
• Emissions monitoring and control
• Simulations

Performance enhancements are accomplished with:

• Ignition Timing using Ignition Controllers
• Torque Control, either simple or process calculated loading
• Air/Fuel Ratio Control
• Fuel Control with optional Fisher fuel control valve.
  

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