CTrend©

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS SOFTWARE FOR PROCESS CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSORS (OIL & GAS)

Software Concept
CTrend is specialized software for the thermodynamic and performance analysis of process centrifugal compressors designed to API617 chapters 1 & 2, which correspond to between-bearings design type (also known as, single-shaft compressors). Starting from a known reference/design operating condition (datasheets and compressor map available as input), CTrend enables the estimation of the adapted performance envelope at off-design operation; off-design means an offset in process parameters and gas composition or a degraded machine condition (degraded seals, increased clearances, wear and tear, fouling, etc.). The simulation can encompass multi-section train arrangements.

CTrend implements real gas equations of state (GERG2008, AGA8) and is geared towards natural gas upstream/production, midstream as well as refinery/petrochemicals and other hydrocarbon gases and process air applications while the analysis can encompass multi-casing tandem train lines with up to four (4) compression phases per set of project file.

CTrend provides a unique investigation and assessment tool for the process engineer and operational crews. The underlying principles are common - for example similitude law - so, virtually any OEM brand machinery can be simulated (e.g., Siemens/Dresser-Rand, GE/BakerHugues, Man Diesel and Turbo, Hitachi, Mitsubishi).

Compatible Machines
Baker Hugues (former GE Oil & Gas): BCL/MCL/PCL
Siemens Energy/Dresser-Rand: STC-SC/STC-SV/DATUM (D-R)
Hitachi: BCH/MCH/PCH
MAN Diesel & Turbo: RB/RH
Solar Turbines: C series

Above is a non-exhaustive list of manufacturers and models.

Download

Download CTrend (portable version) or alternatively (setup version) (Windows 10 OS)
30-day free evaluation available.
See presentation

Check also on this website:
centrifugal compressor performance evaluation tool online
centrifugal compressor sizing calculations / tool
stage to stage vs. section to section simulation considerations

Intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI) for the process simulation

CTrend incorporates a process input mask with search criterion options allowing the user to iterate on speed, inlet or discharge pressures, or flow.

The user can tune the control line distance and the software calculates automatically the point at surge control, and choke when required. Up to 20 alternative operating cases can be created and up to 10 speed lines can be added to the operating envelope with graphical and tabular maps available including all typical compressor output variables with printout reports and Excel exporting.

Advanced methods for performance characterisation

CTrend is equipped with data-driven algorithms that can model the reference operating map of an existing compressor and automatically generate a characterisation, so-called thermodynamic signature, of the machine. Subsequently this signature can be used to simulate off-design conditions.

CTrend has an edge over its competitors in that it is uniquely equipped with methods spanning from simple 2D linear regression to more sophisticated nonlinear interpolations (2D polynomial / splines) methods including configurable artificial neural networks. In this way, the user has a wide range of methods in order to calibrate the model to the compressor map/data at hand, especially should data with inherently more complex patterns need to be tackled. Put differently, CTrend leverages the predictability window by calibrating the characterisation of the compressor to the reference/design OEM map PLUS any alternative cases that happen to be documented (i.e., OEM map and datasheet). Volumetric, efficiency, head shifting can be applied if needed and offer an extra layer of fine tuning.

While such techniques and methods are primarily intended for compressors operating within variable speed performance envelopes, CTrend offers as a premium the capability to model fixed speed units provided certain conditions are met (for further details, see QuickStart manual provided with install package).

SCADA/DCS data fetching via MODBUS TCP/IP or RTU

Trending and 3rd-party interfacing module (https://www.modbustools.com) for MODBUS data fetching is available thereby enabling live performance monitoring.

Companion Tools

CTrend provides several utility tools for example the preliminary centrifugal compressor sizing tool QHmap.

To know more:

https://ctrend-tech.com

To get you started, a 30-day evaluation free access to the tool is available. In addition, we offer you a 1-hour demo session to be scheduled via remote conferencing.

Contact: compressors (include '@') ctrend-tech.com (sollicitations for seo, website/app development are directed to the bin).