REFRIGERANT COMPRESSOR STARTING PROCEDURE (AUTO MODE)

1 Prior to starting the compressors:

1.1 Let the heating element in oil separator on for about 2 hours. Seawater flow
through the lube oil coolers must be shut off.
1.2 Start the Oil Circulation Pump and let them run for 15 minutes to 1 hour until
the oil temperatures are about 5◦C above the sea-water temperature, but at least
20◦C in cold waters. Reduce refrigeration compressor capacity to minimum (10%)
(Auto mode optional).
1.3 Check that all valves, refrigeration and cargo sides, are in the correct
open/closed position. Set automatic valves (40-TV-5X40/5X43/5X46) for the
Ethane condenser in auto mode (set point approx. 20 K). Automatic valve (40-TV-
5X29) for the Refrigerant Intercooler can be optionally set to auto mode (set point
approx. 20 K above SW temperature). Check also the seawater flow through the
refrigeration condenser. Keep the seawater flow through the oil cooler shut off.
1.4 Check with the engine room personnel that sufficient generator capacity is
available.
2 Start the refrigerant compressor motor:
3 When starting up cargo compressor:
3.1 The cargo compressor should be started on 50% load.
3.2 The Ethane/Ethylene Condenser blow-off valve (23-PV-5156/5256/5356) set
point should be set lower than normal operation (approx. 24 barg for C-Ethane) to
avoid tripping of compressor at start-up. 3.3 Make sure to by-pass some cargo
over the Ethane/Ethylene condenser (only short period during start up) and back
to tank in order to avoid flashing and liquid carryover on refrigerant evaporation
side.
3.4 After some time increase cargo compressor load to 100%.
3.5 If the refrigeration compressor capacity is not in auto mode, start the ramp-up
function to increase the capacity to 100%. When capacity control is in auto mode
the set point should be approx. 0.1 barg. 3.6 Check (and adjust, if necessary) the
control expansion valves. The superheat of the refrigerant main suction vapour
should normally be 0-5 K warmer than evaporator outlet, but always above the L
and LL limit for 1st stage superheat temperature. The superheat of the evaporator
outlet should normally be between 8-13◦C. The superheat of the Refrigerant
Intercooler should be approx. 20 K above SW temperature. If automatic valve (40-
TV-5X29) is not in auto mode, the opening of the valve should be approx. 60%.
4 Adjust:
4.1 The refrigerant condensing temperature to approximatiely 7◦C above the
seawater temperature, but not lower than 20◦C, as problems with the oil return
may occur.
4.2 The oil circulation temperature between 40 and 50◦C.
5 Before leaving the compressor room:
5.1 Check that all pneumatic valves are working properly.
5.2 Check that the cargo receiver is not filling up due to ice in the expansion
valves.