The Challenge
We were approached about gas compression for an existing compressor station. Current solution was 10 psig inlet to rented engine drive twin screws feeding traditional engine drive four throw 3 stage recips discharging at 1400 psig. It was desired to take on additional capacity from the existing source to expand the station capability. Reuse of the existing building space and increased efficiency and lower maintenance costs were desired. Initial target was to double existing capacity to 12 MMSCFD.
The Solution
We determined with our customer that electric power was available to supply compression equipment and made a comparison of that to the existing engine drive units. They provided the information necessary to make the evaluation. Final selection was electric motor drive twin screw feeding an electric motor drive single screw feeding an electric motor drive two stage six throw recip.
The Results
We were able to increase capacity throughput of the station by ≈ 200% over the original throughput while lowering the HP/MM by ≈ 25%. Revenues increased ≈ 200% over original numbers while expenses went up only ≈ 100%. These numbers are based on the new units being purchased and financed over a 10 year period. No advantage is taken from the reduction in expenses due to pay off of the loan at the end of that 10 year period.
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