In the oil and gas industry, a gas compressor station plays a critical role in maintaining the pressure and flow of the gas through pipelines, facilitating efficient transport from extraction sites to processing facilities and end users. These stations utilize high-powered compressors to boost the gas to the necessary pressure, ensuring it moves continuously and efficiently across vast distances. Read on to learn how a gas compressor station works.
What Is a Gas Compression Station?
A gas compression station is a facility that stabilizes the flow and pressure rate of gases within a pipeline network, maintaining optimal levels for maximum carrying capacity. A gas compression facility efficiently collects gas, re-pressurizes it, and directs it to end processes.
Components of a Gas Compression Station
Many components in a gas compressor station contribute to how a gas compressor station works.
- Gas cooling system: The compression of a gas increases its temperature. Compressor stations run the liquid through a cooling system to lower the temperature, preventing pipeline damage.
- Scrubbers and filters remove impurities (dirt, particulate contaminants, etc.), water vapour, and hydrocarbons.
- A condensate gathering system gathers condensates from the scrubber and injects them into the gas discharge pipeline using a sparger. This process guarantees homogeneous propagation.
- A compressor uses positive displacement to achieve compressed liquid. Depending upon the needs, the compressor station may have one or many compressors (gas turbine, electric, engine driven, reciprocating, centrifugal, etc.).
- A gas manifold or distribution header distributes the gas to the compressor station trains.
- A corrosion inhibitor injector reduces the incidence of corrosion problems in the equipment and pipeline by injecting an inhibitor via a dosing pump and tank.
- A metering station measures the quantity of gas in Standard Cubic Foot or Cubic Meter.
- Utilities such as fire-fighting and instrument air systems are components of most gas compression stations.
How A Gas Compressor Station Works
Natural gas enters the compressor station and moves through the scrubbers to remove condensates and liquids. The gas is sent through an inlet header to the compressor trains to be compressed by the compressor (one or two-stage, depending upon needed compression). The corrosion inhibitor skid injects a corrosion-inhibiting chemical. Air fans in the gas cooler reduce the gas temperature to a suitable level. A discharge scrubber separates liquids. The compressed gas enters the dehydration unit and then is sent downstream to a facility.
Types of Compressor Stations
Two types of gas compressor stations provide additional pressure to gas pipelines, helping the gas flow over long distances.
- Reciprocating stations bring gas through a cylinder at the base. A piston pressurizes the gas, while valves ensure the gas flows in one direction.
- Centrifugal stations bring gas through a shaft via spinning impellers, forcing it through the pipeline. Typically, these stations service larger pipelines.
How GasPro Can Help
Gaspro, located in Three Hills, has been in operation since 2004. We provide low-maintenance, dependable, user-friendly compressor packages surpassing industry standards. Our compressors provide cost-efficient operation and long life. We continually improve and innovate to keep pace with ever-changing industry demands. Contact us for custom-built compressor packages, modification of existing units, service, maintenance, and compressor parts.