Tunable choke tube for pulsation control device used with gas compressor

Abstract

A method and system for reducing pulsation in a gas compressor system. A pulsation control device, such as a filter bottle or side branch absorber, is installed at a port into some location on the compressor system. The pulsation control device has a choke tube with a variable cross-sectional area, such as by having multiple conduits that may be opened or closed or a diameter that may be varied. In operation, the cross sectional area of the choke tube is varied depending on the compressor speed.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A side branch absorber for reducing pulsations associated with a gas compressor system, the compressor system having one or more cylinders connected to lateral piping, the side branch absorber comprising:
 a rigid shell, having at least one part for receiving transmission of gas to or from the compressor system;   a choke tube for providing fluid communication between the shell and the compressor system;   wherein the choke tube has a diameter that is variable in response to operating conditions of the compressor.   
     
     
         20 . The side branch absorber of  claim 19 , wherein the choke tube is internal to the shell. 
     
     
         21 . The side branch absorber of  claim 19 , wherein the choke tube is external to the shell. 
     
     
         22 . The side branch absorber of  claim 19 , wherein the choke tube has a primary conduit and one or more secondary conduits, each secondary conduit having a valve for opening and closing the conduit, and wherein the stop of varying the diameter is performed by operating the valves. 
     
     
         23 . The side branch absorber of  claim 22 , wherein the conduits are axially connected. 
     
     
         24 . The side branch absorber of  claim 22 , wherein the conduits are physically separate 
     
     
         25 . The side branch absorber of  claim 19 , wherein the cross-sectional area of the choke tube may be varied along its length, and wherein the step of varying the diameter of the choke tube is performed by activating a change in the cross-sectional area.