Maximising Value through Compressor Selection

Presented at 2017 Spring Conference held at Hilton Garden Inn, Milan North on 17 - 19 May 2017 by Michael Rimmer and Grant Johnson, Costain
Cost effective compression solutions are needed throughout the natural gas value chain, whether in producing gas from the field, processing to remove contaminants or extract liquids, providing refrigeration, transporting by pipeline, storing underground, or delivering at a suitable pressure for use as fuel. Choice of compression technology depends on the required capacity and head; but is also influenced by the gas being handled, capital and operating cost, energy efficiency, maintainability, environmental performance, required flexibility and other factors. Gas compressor selection is discussed, with examples of gas turbine driven centrifugal field gas compressors; gas engine driven reciprocating compressors at remote gas production sites; hermetically sealed compressors with active magnetic bearings and high speed motors in underground gas storage; integrally geared compressors handling multiple streams in gas processing; and dry screw compressors in flare gas recovery.