What is surge in compressors? How to detect and control it?

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What is surge in compressors? How to detect and control it?..

Answer / mohammad rizwan

When a compressor reaches its surge condition, it loses the
ability to maintain peak head and the entire system becomes
unstable.

Surge is most accurately described as a system phenomenon -
not a localized instability. Under normal conditions, the
compressor operates to the right of the surge line.
Compressor surge is sometimes viewed as a common occurrence
but design of a proper surge control system should be
regarded as both a necessary design practice and an
effective risk-mitigation measure.

The surge-control system is an important element in the
compressor system because it protects the compressor from
surge over the range of compressor operations. Protection of
the compressor through the surge-control system will help to
avoid considerably more costly repairs or overhauls due to
damaging surge conditions. Control systems may be
implemented using a variety of methods and philosophies.
However, the primary objective of any surge-control system
should be to predict and prevent the occurrence of surge so
as to reduce possible damage to the compressor and ensure a
safe working environment for all station personnel. In order
to ensure the system is designed properly for its various
and often competing requirements, operators will choose to
verify component selection, response time and behavior
through a dynamic compressor surge model