A Double End Driven Compression train with Active Magnetic Bearings (AMB), a novel concept on its own, has been chosen as the solution for the Groningen 2nd phase compression project. A development assurance program was followed by a team comprising of both Shell and Siemens specialists with the intent of ensuring that technical risks were identified and addressed as far as possible prior to field implementation. A demonstrator compression train has been installed and tested on 1 of the 20 Groningen clusters to allow early operational experience to be gained and verify its reliability. It is currently in its first year of operation and has displayed high availability and reliability.

The paper will describe:

  • The concept evaluation and selection

  • The creation of the development programme to assess technical risks

  • Technical challenges and learnings

  • Current status of the development and design maturity

Keywords:
new unit, Upstream Oil & Gas, modification, operation, double end concept, rotor dynamic, consideration, availability, compressors engines and turbines, compression train
Subjects:
Processing Systems and Design, Risk Management and Decision-Making, Compressors, engines and turbines
Copyright 2014, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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