Compressor Technology eliminates costs, is eco-friendly, and reduces footprints.
FREMONT, CA: Compressors are an integral part of the energy value chain. By reducing emissions, they also play a role in the energy transition.
Compressors use rotational force or piston movement to increase gas pressure and decrease volume. By increasing the efficiency of various processes and ultimately reducing emissions, they play an important role throughout the entire energy value chain.
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Some of the things that everyone should know about compressor technology are listed below:
Energy is moved by compressors: In most cases, gas fields are not located near where the energy is needed, so it needs to be transported by pipeline or ship. Every 70 miles or so, compression stations are built to overcome natural pressure loss and push the gas to the next station. In cases where pipelines aren't practical, natural gas is then compressed by a factor of 10 or more to cool and liquefy it. After the liquefied natural gas (LNG) is transported to its destination, it undergoes regasification and is then transported by pipeline to cities, industrial clusters, and other large energy consumers.
CCUS projects are made possible by compressors: To transport carbon emissions from industries that are hard to abate - oil and gas, mining, cement, metals - and store them, CO2 must be compressed. Despite CO2's highly corrosive properties, compression technology today can handle it.
CCUS systems and processes vary based on plant size and application. The current pipeline specification is 2,215 psia, whereas storage pressure usually requires 1,600 psia. In order to minimize the variable operation and maintenance costs of a CCUS system, it is important to integrate the most efficient and reliable compression technology with the capture process. It will be challenging to implement CCUS at the scale likely to be required in the future while minimizing the operating cost penalties.
It is possible to leave less of a footprint with compressor technology: Typical compressors often leak gas between their moving and stationary parts, which is particularly difficult to prevent, especially at very high pressures. This leakage is internally recirculated, which lowers efficiency and increases absorbed power, and some of it is released into the atmosphere.
Alternatively, compressors and electric motors can be completely sealed inside the same casing to eliminate leaks. There is no need for oil since the rotor is levitated by magnetic bearings.
In light of the fact that a rotor can weigh several tons, this is quite an impressive feat of technology.