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MAN TURBO: Process gas compressor for wet, acid gases –
also for sub-sea applications – successfully tested
The compact compression system, type HOFIM™, a fully encapsulated design with a newly developed, integral high speed motor, has successfully completed its factory test programme. During the course of a highly comprehensive programme, aimed at qualifying the unit for subsea gas compression, the machine will now undergo further tests under real well stream gas conditions. The completion of the factory acceptance tests is a major milestone in the system qualification programme, during which the conceptual design, thermal layout and mechanical integrity of the newly developed integral high speed motor, as well as the thermodynamic performance of the compressor have all been confirmed.
The factory acceptance test is part of an extensive qualification programme agreed between MAN TURBO and STATOIL, acting on behalf of the Åsgard Licence Partners. The complete development and qualification programme consists of numerous sub-contracts, the overall aim of which is a complete, mature system, qualified for subsea compression. The compressor is a major sub-component in this system.
A large number of companies are contributing with their competence and know-how to achieve technology approval for subsea production, scheduled to commence in year 2013. The compressor system factory acceptance test concludes an important milestone. The next phase of the qualification programme will investigate the long term behaviour of the system under different, simulated operating conditions. The STATOIL K-LAB laboratory in Norway will lead this comprehensive programme.
For the past 20 years, MAN TURBO has pioneered the development of integrated turbo compression systems using high frequency motor drives and magnetic bearings. The early recognition of the potential and the consequent development of these systems have resulted in MAN TURBO’s leading position and unique system know-how. Numerous industrial references, the first of which have been in operation since the early 1990’s, have confirmed the advantages of the encapsulated design. Feed-back from users and analyses of the future market requirements have made it clear: The next generation of machinery must be even simpler, more robust and must be compatible with sour and wet hydrocarbon gases.
The current development programme extended the basic, patented modular HOFIM™ compressor concept, by an enhanced high frequency motor. The heavy duty, high speed motor will open up a new market for such machinery in sour, wet and subsea gas compression environments. Thanks to the modular design, the system is extremely flexible with respect to variable operating requirements. To name but a few of the important advantages: the encapsulated design reduces potential risks of gas leaks; as with previous HOFIM™ designs, the unit has zero local emissions; it can be tailored for either high or low volume flows, as well as high or marginal polytrophic heads. With this level of flexibility, it is not only possible to achieve high levels of operational efficiency, but also demanding ecological and safety standards.
The real innovation, however, is its compatibility with sour and wet gases. System simplicity is the key to achieving high reliability and minimum maintenance interventions. The use of an intrinsic, instead of a conventional external cooling system, eliminates numerous auxiliary systems. This improved, unique design predestines the HOFIM™ for subsea gas compression and other remote and demanding applications.
A component and product qualification program of such an extent has only been possible thanks to the expertise and the extensive laboratory infrastructure provided by STATOIL. Thanks also to the Åsgard License Partners, who had the vision and foresight to embark upon and finance such a future oriented project. MAN TURBO is proud to be a partner in this demanding and successful venture, initiated by a group of oil and gas majors, to develop compression systems for the next generation of oil and gas exploration and
production.
More information: www.manturbo.com
Posted: November 2, 2007
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