PG from NG Fuel Flow

Natural gas is used extensively to fuel both electric power generation plant boilers, turbines and internal combustion engines, and to boost gas pressure all along the natural gas pipeline distribution network.

Potentially useful energy becomes unrecoverable after pressure in the main natural gas supply is letdown through a throttling valve to the lower pressure required for use by internal combustion engines, turbines and boilers. About 2/3 of the energy normally lost in the throttling process is recoverable by placing a RadMax rotary natural gas expander-generator in parallel with the pressure control valve. Typically a large pressure differential, the electrical power generated from recovery of this “free” and “green” energy can range from tens of kilowatts to megawatts per installation. Analysis shows that about 1 MW of electricity can be generated from a natural gas fuel flow of 25,000 m3/hr at 55 bar and 75° C expanded to 10 bar at 5°C, or 5 – 10 kW from typical fuel flow to 1,300 hp natural gas compressor engine (about 7.5 kW per 1,000 rated engine horsepower). Traditional turboexpanders in many cases are not well suited for this application because of short start up times, and low pressures and flow rates.

Tens of thousands of internal combustion and turbine natural gas fueled engines are used to drive compressors used globally to boost gas pressure all along the natural gas pipeline distribution network. Natural gas pipeline compressor stations are typically located in remote areas with no or limited available grid electrical service. Battery stored electricity required to run controls, monitoring, communications and other site equipment is frequently provided from expensive, high maintenance, and inconsistent wind, solar and portable power sources. 

The RadMax EX10 expander-generator can provide a dependable and economical supply of produce electricity from the natural gas fuel flow to compressor station engine. Fuel for the engine is typically taken from the output of the compressor and dropped to the required engine use pressure of around 40 psi. Installed in parallel with the existing fuel line feeding the engine, the EX10 expander is coupled to either a 2-, 5 or 10-kW electric generator depending upon the site’s pressure letdown conditions and power requirements. It provides dependable and economic power that can be used to drive converted pneumatic controllers eliminating methane emissions from these types of devices, or power electronic equipment, lighting, communications or other site devices.

Additional InformatioN
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RadMax EX10 Expander-Generator for Natural Gas Comppressing Stations Specifications Sheet