Compressor stations in natural gas storage
A compressor station is a facility which helps the transportation process of natural gas from one location to another. Natural gas, while being transported through a gas pipeline, needs to be periodically pressurized at intervals of 40 to 100 miles.
As the pipeline enters the compressor station the natural gas passes through scrubbers, strainers or filter separators. These are vessels designed to remove any free liquids or dirt particles from the gas before it enters the compressors. Though the pipeline is carrying “dry gas,” some water and hydrocarbon liquids may condense out of the gas stream as the gas cools and moves through the pipeline.
Any liquids that may be produced are collected and stored for sale or disposal. A piping system directs the gas from the separators to the gas compressor for compression.
Pipeline companies install compressor stations along a pipeline route. The size of the station and the number of compressors (pumps) varies, based on the diameter of the pipe and the volume of gas to be moved. Nevertheless, the basic components of a station are similar.
Air Compressor: A compressor is a mechanical device that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume. An air compressor is a specific type of gas compressor. Compressors are similar to pumps: both increase the pressure on a fluid and both can transport the fluid through a pipe.
Turbo expander : A turboexpander, also referred to as a turbo-expander or an expansion turbine, is a centrifugal or axial-flow turbine, through which a high-pressure gas is expanded to produce work that is often used to drive a compressor or generator.
Pre fabricated segments of pipe, valves, fittings and flanges are welded at the shop or onsite and assembled at compressor station site. The compressor unit and other large equipments are mounted on their respective foundations and the equipment is micro leveled to reduce vibration then the compressor enclosures are erected around them. Noise-abatement equipment (including sound attenuating enclosures around the turbine, exhaust stack silencers and air inlet silencers) and emission control technology are installed as needed to meet applicable federal state and or local standards.
Facility piping, both above and below ground are installed and hydrostatically tested before being placed into service. Controls and safety devices such as the emergency shutdown system, relief valves, gas and fire detection facilities and other protection and safety devices are also checked and tested.
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