Gas Compression Systems

Success Story & Application

Success Story & Application

SCFM’S CUSTOM SOLUTION UPGRADED EXISTING COMPRESSOR STATION TO INCREASE FLOW RATE BY OVER 250% WHILE REDUCING REQUIRED HP AND LOWERING MAINTENANCE COSTS BY 15%

The Challenge

We were approached about gas compression for an existing compression station for transmission service in an existing pipeline.  Station consisted of 4 - 1085 hp engines driving two throw reciprocating compressors with engine drive coolers. The following are the list of challenges faced:

  • High Vibration and pulsation problems
  • Over horsepower at high suction high discharge pressures
  • Cooler outlet temperatures are too high
  • Design point had changed from 220 suction/700 discharge to 400 suction/625 discharge. Range of pressure is now 170-490 suction to 500-684 dicharge 
  • Make changes with minimal downtime to the station
  • Original plan was potentially to install a whole new station and mothball the original.

The Solution

  • Reciprocating compressor cylinders were changed from standard cylinders to pipeline cylinders to reduce hp, reduce cooler outlet temperature and increase flow rate.
  • Scrubbers, bottles, cooler section and piping were all prefabricated to minimize station downtime and to lower costs. They were redesigned to increase throughput and lower vibrations, pulsations and pressure drop.  
  • Bottles were made new for the first unit and then the old bottles were modified for the next unit to be revamped. This saved time and money.
  • We used local labor that was familiar with the station and the customer for final welds and site installation to lower delivery time.

The Results

  • Flow rate increased from 15 MMSCFD to 40 MMSCFD while hp was lowered within the capabilities of the current engine limit.
  • Upgrade to all four compression units was completed in 3 months time with minimal station down time.

© Scfm All Rights Reserved