Compressor Station Energy

As well productivity declines, in some compressor station configurations gas must be recirculated at each compression stage to maintain the minimum required suction to the reciprocating compressors to prevent compressor stalling and reduced productivity. This process is inefficient and expensive in having to recompress a significant portion of gas throughput. 

The throttling type pressure reduction valves used in these recirculation circuits “lose” the energy imparted by the compressors into the gas steam before being recirculated. A RadMax positive displacement gas expander positioned in the circulation circuit can capture can potentially capture up to 20% of this “lost” energy converting it to shaft power to drive a generator, compressor or other devices thus reducing net energy use. Additionally, the colder expanded gas can also be used to augment compressor inter-stage cooling, further reducing operating costs.