Numerical Analysis of Hot Air Recirculation Phenomenon in a Compressor Unit and Prevention of Overheating

Managing the hot air recirculation and flow pattern in air-cooled systems is essential for satisfactory performance and reliable operation of compressor units. In this study, a numerical analysis of the exhaust air from an air-cooled compressor package located in oil and gas offshore platform is presented using computational fluid dynamics. The results of the analysis reveal that hot air recirculation can have a direct impact in air-cooled units, which is associated with the installation arrangement of the mechanical packages involving air coolers and the environmental conditions around the units. The results were able to predict flow and temperature fields in the compressor area, and provided recommendation to avoid exhaust air recirculation, which if not addressed and prevented can greatly reduce the cooling effectiveness of the air coolers leading to less reliable systems.