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The Function of a
Prime Mover
The function of the prime mover is to
provide the main source of energy for driving the compressor. The prime
mover must maintain adequate power to initialize the compressor,
accelerate it up to full speed, and operate the unit under specified
conditions. The following sources of power can be utilized: electric
motors (which are the most common), diesel or natural gas engines,
combustion turbines and steam turbines.
The electric motors are the most common because they are the most
economical and most widely available sources of power to compressors.
Standard, polyphase induction motors are utilized by most compressors.
When buying a compressor or replacement motor you may consider either a
standard or a premium efficient motor. Although a premium efficient
motor is more expensive than most others, you will recoup the cost in
the form of energy savings in just a short period of time. Therefore, if
you currently have a standard motor that needs replacing, or will in the
near future, it would be cost-effective to purchase a premium efficient
motor. Make sure you take into account the performance mechanisms such
as full-load speed and torque. You should purchase a motor that has
nearly the same performance as your original motor. For example use an
inverter-duty motor, if you currently have a drive motor in your
compressor, that uses a variable frequency drive in its control system.
Common compressor power sources used in the oil and gas industries are
the diesel or natural gas engines.
When selecting an engine to power a compressor, take into consideration
convenience, cost and the availability of liquid fuel and natural gas.
Engines powered by natural gas have become more popular in areas that
have high electricity rates, although most industrial compressed air
systems still utilize electric motors for prime movers. In today's
fluctuating energy market, you must consider the cost effectiveness of
either electric, gas or diesel motors. Of course, you should also keep
in mind, the chance of an electrical power outage. In that situation,
many standby or emergency compressors have a back-up power system, such
as an engine-driven system. The maintenance costs are much higher for
engine-driven systems than for electric motors.
As you might guess, the oldest form of operating compressors is with a
steam engine or turbine. However, it is no longer economical to utilize
a turbine or steam engine, unless the steam is readily available in the
plant itself and can be used as a power source.
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air
compressor types
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Understanding the
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