Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for regulating the operation of a compressor system including a compressor moving a gas from an intake conduit through a discharge conduit to a gas storage reservoir are disclosed. In accordance with the method, an unload valve in an unload conduit connected to the discharge conduit is initially fully closed and an inlet valve in the intake conduit is initially fully opened. Then the inlet valve is closed by an amount necessary to maintain the discharge pressure at a design pressure level and at a gas flow rate between the design flow level and a minimum flow level. When the gas flow rate drops below the minimum flow level, the inlet valve is maintained in its last position and the unload valve is opened by an amount necessary to maintain the discharge pressure below a first pressure level set higher than the design pressure level. If the unload valve remains open beyond a position set point for longer than a first predetermined period of time, the unload valve is fully opened and the inlet valve is fully closed. Then if the system pressure drops below a second pressure level lower than the design pressure, the control steps discussed above are repeated.

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First Claim