SPS is IPC's advanced control and protection system for centrifugal compressors, designed to provide full protection across real operating conditions, including off-design scenarios and changing process variables.
Compressor surge is a critical instability that can cause severe damage if not properly controlled. This video gives an intuitive introduction to the phenomenon and to the need for robust protection logic.
Surge is not simply a loss of performance. It is an unstable operating condition that may involve strong oscillations, flow reversal and potentially severe mechanical stress on the compressor train.
While simplified, this visualization highlights why accurate protection requires engineering-based models and control logic, as implemented in SPS.
The SPS brochure presents the system as an advanced surge protection solution for centrifugal compressors, emphasizing full protection, thermodynamic modelling, surge detection and diagnostic capabilities.
SPS combines a gas thermodynamic engine, a compressor thermo-mechanical model, protection logic, surge detection and diagnostic functions in one integrated system.
The brochure highlights SPS as more than a standard anti-surge controller: it is described as a platform that predicts compressor behaviour and updates protection logic on the basis of expected and measured conditions.
SPS is presented as a layered solution involving application server, PLC, local HMI and field devices, with a clear split between business/application level and field execution level.
According to the brochure, SPS can be embedded into IPC modular software for compression station control, enabling coordinated action across station load control and machine protection systems.
SPS marketing material can be made directly available, while more advanced technical documentation can be accessed through the technical papers section.
Download the brochure for a visual introduction to the system, its features, architecture and positioning.
For deeper technical content, application notes and specialist papers, use the IPC technical papers section.
Contact IPC to explore how SPS can support compressor protection strategies, integration with station control logic and operational reliability improvement.