Frequently Asked Questions
Bottle Sizing Service - General
- For questions on
Level 1 bottle sizing,
click here
- For questions on
Level 2 bottle sizing,
click here
Many packagers, owners and EPCs have requested that Wood VDN provide a sizing program
for pulsation bottles. They require a better sizing program for these reasons:
1.
2.
3.
While simple spreadsheets are available for preliminary sizing, our customers are
concerned that these programs are out-of-date and have technical limitations. This
creates risks and extra costs for their projects.
Packagers want to shorten the cycle time for manufacturing compressor packages.
To achieve this goal, they must order bottle shells and heads early in the process.
By using Bottle Sizing Service Level 2, packagers can now quickly define the final bottle sizes
and order these long lead time components – saving valuable fabrication time.
When an existing compressor is being modified (retrofit project), there is risk
that the new conditions and configuration will create pulsation and vibration problems.
Bottle Sizing Service Level 2 determines if pulsation bottles must be changed for retrofit projects.
We invite you to try the service – and look forward to your comments or suggested
improvements. Please contact our application staff if you have any questions.
We invite you to try the service – and look forward to your comments or suggested
improvements. Please
contact our application staff if you have any questions on these programs.
Level 1: This is a basic sizing program, useful
for the initial layout and bidding on a compressor project. It is quick and easy
to use, especially for a limited number of operating conditions. Level 1 provides
bottle sizes for non-critical applications where there is lower risk of vibration
or reliability issues).
Limitations for Level 1: Bottle sizes may change once a pulsation study is performed.
Not applicable for final sizing on critical applications, or where optimized bottles
are required (low pressure drop and pulsation-induced forces across many conditions).
Level 2: This service is recommended when:
- Final bottle sizes are required, allowing long lead time components, such as shells
and heads, to be ordered. It also ensures the bottles will meet API 618 guidelines
(pulsation-induced forces, pressure drop).
- Many operating conditions need to be assessed. Operating conditions include the
range in suction and discharge pressures, temperatures, and speed. This service
accommodates up to 20 conditions (if more required,
contact Wood VDN for a pulsation study).
- Pulsation bottle internal design and cylinder nozzle orifice plate sizing is required.
Click to view the
Features of Level 1 and Level Service.
If pulsation bottles are sized too large, the risks are:
- More difficult mounting and supporting requirements for large bottles.
- Higher capital costs for material and fabrication of large bottles.
If pulsation bottles are sized too small, the risks are:
- Reliability concerns if there are excessive pulsations and vibrations.
- Reduced performance and higher operating costs caused by excessive pressure drop.
- Higher capital costs if secondary volumes are required.
In rare cases, a mini pulsation study is not adequate to properly size bottles.
Instead, a full pulsation study is required. This limitation could apply to specialty
gas compositions and very high pressures.
Customers receive full credit of the Level 2 service if a Wood pulsation study is
undertaken for the project within one year of receiving the report for the Level
2 analysis. Using your personalized project database, locate the Wood VDN reference
number (or tracking number) and include it when you order your pulsation study.
You can view your projects, including both Level 1 and Level 2 services through
My Previous Projects. Select a
project from the list and open it to be redirected to the appropriate page.
To update a Level 1 project, simply update the information in the Level 1 bottle
sizing input page and click Calculate Bottle Sizes. To create a different project,
remember to change the name in the "Reference" field.
To add or update information in your submitted Level 2 project(s), you will need
your tracking number (or Wood VDN reference number). Simply send an email to
bottlesizing.vdn@woodgroup.com, or call us at (+1) 403-245-5666 (Mountain Standard
Time).
A Level 1 study is free. Click
here for
the Level 2 fee schedule.
Customers purchasing products or services must email a valid purchase order to
info.vdn@woodplc.com,
or contact us if payment by credit card or blanket service agreement is preferred.
Make purchase orders out to:
-
For customers located in the US: BMA Solutions L.P., 17325 Park Row Drive, Houston, TX 77084, USA.
-
For customers located outside the US: Wood Group Asset Integrity Solutions, 118, 4242
7th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2Y8, CANADA.
If you have forgotten your password or cannot access your account, please send email
here.
Currently, a forgotten password requires creating a new password.