Centrifugal compressors are very sensitive to changes in operating conditions. Operations outside of the design envelope may result in sub-optimum performance and risk serious equipment damage. To accommodate different process conditions, a booster compressor may be required or the existing compressor may be re-rated or re-wheeled. However, this option is costly, time consuming and must be undertaken with due diligence. A good understanding of the compressor's process requirements and field operating limitations is necessary for the full benefits to be realized.

Low gas availability led to development of a strategy to startup a compressor outside of its normal design parameters. The implementation required only modifications to setpoints software, instrumentation and process line-up, thus eliminating the need for a booster compressor and subsequently simplifying the compression system. This strategy was applied on a first time basis without any available analog reference, and proved successful.

Keywords:
compressors engines and turbines, hp production separator, suction pressure, gas lift compressor, pipeline, compressor, gas lift export manifold, production separator, initial startup, barg
Subjects:
Processing Systems and Design, Compressors, engines and turbines
This content is only available via PDF.
2016. Offshore Technology Conference
You can access this article if you purchase or spend a download.