Modernization of a high pressure synthesis gas turbocompressor

The paper describes several modernization aspects of a three-staged synthesis gas radial turbo compressor. The principal aim was to adapt the machine to new working conditions, resulting from the current state-of-art production technology. The required discharge pressure was changed from 21.1 MPa to 14 MPa. The paper covers the discussion on the scope of modernization, its variants and the final variant choice. It provides review of the thermodynamic calculation methodology, dedicated test stand results and also some of the on-site acceptance tests. The revamped compressor is in continuous service since October 2015.