Gas Compressors

Gas Production Engineering Compressors -1

Mohan Kelkar
 Topics of Interest

zMain parameters
zUsage of gas compressors in the
industry
zTypes of Compressors
zCompression Theory
zCompressor Design
zApplication of System Analysis to
Compressors
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 Important Factors

zOverall Compression Ratio

pd
RT =
ps

zCompression Capacity

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 Industry Usage

Usage RT Capacity
Booster Low High
Injection High Medium to
High
Vapor Medium Low
Recovery
Production Low to Low to
Enhancement Medium Medium
Flash Gas Medium to Low
High
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 Types

zPositive Displacement
» Use physical force to reduce volume to
increase pressure
zCentrifugal
» Convert kinetic energy to pressure energy
through expansion

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 Positive Displacement

zReciprocating
» Many moving parts;
low efficiency
» High RT
» Variable Capacity
» Single or double
acting
» High maintenance
» Pulsation
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 Positive Displacement

z Rotary - Vane
» Continuous
» Low RT
» Less efficient than
reciprocating
» More oil
consumption than
reciprocating

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 Positive Displacement

z Rotary - Screw
» Continuous
» Medium RT
» Can handle dirty gas
» Variable Capacity
» Low efficiency
» Limited pressure
range

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 Positive Displacement

z Liquid Ring
» Continuous
» Low RT
» Can handle wet gas
» Partial cooling
» Low efficiency
» Limited pressure
range

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 Centrifugal

z Centrifugal
» Low maintenance
» low RT
» Low oil consumption
» High Capacity
» High pressure
» Expensive
» Inflexible
» Sensitive to
vibrations

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 Reciprocating vs. Centrifugal

Factor Centrifugal Reciprocating

Initial Investment Low High
Operating Cost Less More
(excluding fuel)
Fuel Consumption High Low
Flexibility Less More
Efficiency Better at Low Ratios Better at High Ratios
Project Life Short Life Favorable Long Life Favorable
Space Requirements Less More
Relocation Less Difficult More Difficult

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 Theory of Compression

z Adiabatic: pvk = constant

z Polytropic: pvn = constant
» Where n −1 k −1
=
n kη p

z Isothermal: pv = constant

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 Theory of Compression

E B C D
pd

AB - Isothermal
AC - Adiabatic
AD - Polytropic
Pressure

ps
A
F

Volume

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 Theory of Compression

zIsothermal process provides the most

efficient compression
zIt is very difficult to achieve in practice
zAdiabatic or polytropic process is more
likely in actual compression

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 Theory of Compression

z Adiabatic Head (ft.lbf/lbm) [kJ/kg]

53.29 k ⎡ k −1 ⎤ 0.2867 k ⎡ k −1 ⎤
Ha = z avg T1 ⎢ rp k − 1⎥ Ha = z avg T1 ⎢ rp k − 1⎥
γg k −1 ⎣ ⎦ γg k −1 ⎣ ⎦

z Power Requirements (HP) [ kW]

⎛ qsc H a ⎞
1 ⎛ m& H a ⎞ Pa = 9.614 × 10 ⎜
−4
+ mechanical losses ⎟
Pa = ⎜⎜ + mechanical losses ⎟⎟ ⎜ γ g ηa ⎟
550 ⎝ η a ⎠ ⎝ ⎠

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 Example 7.1

10 MMSCFD [283.2 MSm3/D] of natural gas with a specific gravity of 0.6 is

compressed 100 psig [689.4 kPag] to 1,000 psig [6,894 kPag]. If the inlet
temperature is 80ºF [26.67ºC], calculate the head and power requirements if:

i. the process is adiabatic ( η a =1.0).

ii. the process is polytropic (assume η p =0.8).

iii. the process is isothermal.

Assume the mechanical losses to be negligible. k =1.25.

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 Example 7.1

z Adiabatic Head
⎡ 1.25−1
⎤
⎛ ⎞ ⎢⎛ ⎞ 1.25
Ha =
53.29
(0.9274)(540)⎜ 1. 25
⎟ ⎜
1014 . 65
⎟ − 1⎥
0.6 ⎢
⎝ 1.25 − 1 ⎠ ⎝ 114.65 ⎠ ⎥
⎣ ⎦
ft ⋅ lbf
= 121,570
lb
⎡ 1.25 −1
⎤
⎛ 1.25 ⎞ ⎢⎛ 6,996 ⎞ 1.25
Ha =
0.2867
(0.9274)(300)⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ − 1⎥
0.6 ⎝ 1.25 − 1 ⎠ ⎢⎝ 790.5 ⎠ ⎥
⎣ ⎦
kJ
= 363.3
kg

z Power Requirements
q sc H a ⎛ 283.17 363.3 ⎞
pa = 9.614 × 10 − 4 ⋅ Pa = 0.008469⎜ × ⎟
γ g ηa ⎝ 0. 6 1 ⎠
10 121,570 = 1,452 kW
= 9.614 × 10 − 4 × ×
0.6 1
= 1,948 HP
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 Example 7.1

z Polytropic Head n −1 k −1
=
n kη p
n − 1 1.25 − 1
= = 0.25
n 1.25 × 0.8
53.29 n ⎡ n −1 ⎤
Hp = z avg T1 rp n − 1⎥
γg n − 1 ⎢⎣ ⎦
⎡⎛ 6996 ⎞ 0.25 ⎤
⎡⎛ 1014.65 ⎞ 0.25 ⎤ Hp =
0.2867
(0.9274)(300)(4)⎢⎜ ⎟ − 1⎥
=
53.29
(0.9274 )(540 )(4)⎢⎜ ⎟ − 1⎥ 0.6 ⎣⎢⎝ 790.5 ⎠ ⎦⎥
0. 6 ⎢⎣⎝ 114 .65 ⎠ ⎥⎦ kJ
ft ⋅ lbf = 385.4
= 128,951 kg
lb

z Power Requirements
⎛ 10 128,951 ⎞ ⎛ 283.17 ⎞⎛ 385.4 ⎞
Pp = 9.614 ×10 − 4 ⎜ × ⎟ Pp = (.008469)⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟
⎝ 0. 6 0.8 ⎠ ⎝ 0.6 ⎠⎝ 0.8 ⎠
= 2,583 HP = 1,926 kW

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 Example 7.1

z Isothermal Head
53.29 ⎛p ⎞
Hi = z1T1 ln⎜⎜ 2 ⎟⎟
γg ⎝ p1 ⎠ Hi =
0.2867
(0.9844)(300)ln⎛⎜ 6996 ⎞⎟
⎝ 790.5 ⎠
(0.9844)(540)ln⎛⎜ 1014.65 ⎞⎟
53.29 0.6
=
0.6 ⎝ 114.65 ⎠ = 308
kJ
ft ⋅ lbf kg
= 102,944
lb

z Power Requirements
⎛ 283.17 ⎞⎛ 308 ⎞
⎛ 10 102,951 ⎞
Pi = 9.614 × 10 ⎜ −4
× ⎟ Pi = (.008469 )⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟
⎝ 0 . 6 1 ⎠ ⎝ 0.6 ⎠⎝ 1 ⎠
= 1,650 HP = 1,231 kW

z Isothermal process is the most efficient process

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 Problem 7.2

A gas lift system has to be designed. The injection requirement is injection of 12

MMSCFD [340 MSm3/D] of 0.6 gravity gas. The suction pressure is 125 psia
[862 kPa] and the injection pressure is 1,300 psia [8,963 kPa]. The suction
temperature is 90ºF [32.2ºC]. The value of k is 1.27. Assume polytropic
efficiency to be 0.75 and no mechanical losses.

i. Calculate the power requirement if gas is compressed in a single stage.

ii. Calculate the power requirement if gas is compressed in two stages

such that compression ratio in each stage is the same. Also, assume
that the gas is cooled at the intermediate stage to the same value as the
suction temperature.

Assume polytropic compression. Which process, single or two stages, requires

less power? Why?

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 Problem 7.2 -Solution

z Preliminary Calculations
» Zave = 0.9179, (n-1)/n = 0.2835
z Single Stage Compression
» Hp = 147,037 ft.lbf/lb [445 kJ/kg]
» Pa = 3,821 HP [2,850 kW]
z Two Stage Compression (per stage)
» rp = (1,300/125)0.5 = 3.225
» Hp = 62,266 ft.lbf/lb [186 kJ]
» Pa = 1,596 HP [1,191 kW]
» For two stages, Pa = 3,192 HP [2,382 kW]
z Two Stage Compression is more efficient

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 Compressor Design - Needs
• Site evaluation
elevation above sea level
• Gas inlet pressure
• Gas composition (or molecular weight (MW)), heat capacity at constant
pressure Cp , k − value, compressibility Z (for budgetary considerations); also
indicate the water content in the gas
• Gas flow
• Gas discharge pressure required
• Discharge temperature limitations
• Drive selection:
For gas engines or turbines, provide the fuel gas lower heating value (LHV),
temperature, and pressure
For steam turbines, provide the steam temperature, inlet pressure, and
acceptable backpressure
• For air or water cooling, provide the design temperature of the medium
• Level of specification:
Manufacturer’s standard
“Near” API
API specification with client inputs
Client’s specifications
Oil level permitted in discharge gas

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 Number of Stages

z Compression Ratio
» rp < 3.5
– rp = (RT)1/ns
z Closer to isothermal

Pressure
process
z Discharge temperature
less than 300 F

Td = Ts (r )
n −1 Volume

p n

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 Inlet Flow Rate

z sTs
ACFM = 19.6 q sc ACFM = 8.59
z sTs
q sc
ps ps

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 Horse Power Requirements

z Approximate Equation
P = 22 Rns Fq sc P = 0.58Rns Fq sc

z Precise Equation
⎡ q scTs ⎤ ⎡ n ⎤ ⎡ nn−1 ⎤
P = 0.0857 z avg ⎢ ⎥ ⎢⎣ n − 1⎥⎦ ⎢⎣rp − 1⎥⎦
η
⎢⎣ m p ⎥⎦
E

−3
⎡ q scTs ⎤ ⎡ n ⎤ ⎡ nn−1 ⎤
P = 4.0468 × 10 z avg ⎢ ⎥ ⎢⎣ n − 1⎥⎦ ⎢⎣rp − 1⎥⎦
η
⎢⎣ m p ⎥⎦
E

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 Horsepower Requirements
Flow Rate Approx. Selection
Service MMSCFD R ns BHP [kW] Most Likely Alternate
[MSm3/D]
Booster 100 2.0 1 4,400 Centrifugal Integral
[2,832] [3,282] (Onshore only)
10 [28.3] 2.0 1 440 [328] High Speed

(Reciprocating)
Gas Lift 5 [14.2] 2.7 3 980 [731] High Speed

(Reciprocating)
20 [56.6] 2.7 3 3,920 Centrifugal Integral
[2,924] (Onshore only)
100 2.7 3 19,602 Centrifugal
[2,832] [14,623]
Flash Gas 2 [57] 2.0 1 88 [66] Screw High Speed
(Reciprocating)
2 [57] 2.0 2 190 [142] High Speed Screw
(Reciprocating)
4 [113] 2.0 2 380 [284] High Speed
(Reciprocating)
Vapor 0.1 [2.8] 4.0 1 9 [7] Vane Screw
Recovery 1.0 [28] 3.0 2 143 [107] Screw Vane
2.0 [57] 3.0 2 286 [213] High Speed Screw
(Reciprocating)

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 Example 7.2

Natural gas with the following properties and conditions is to be compressed by a

centrifugal compressor.

γ g = 0.62 p s = 256 psia [1,765 kPa]

k = 1.26 p d = 665 psia [4,585 kPa]
t s = 99ºF [37.2ºC]

If the desired flow rate is 45 MMSCFD [1,274 MSm3/D], what horsepower is

required to compress the gas assuming 75% polytropic efficiency and 95%
mechanical efficiency? Compare the results with an approximate equation.

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 Example 7.2

zPreliminaries
» Zave = 0.955, rp = 2.6 – one stage OK
» (n-1)/n = 0.275, Td = 723 R < 760 R
zACFM
» 1,849 cu.ft./min
zCentrifugal compressor is appropriate
zPower
» Approximate = 2,574 HP [1,920 kW]
» Precise = 3,158 HP [2,347 kw]
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 Example 7.3

A reciprocating compressor is used for the following conditions:

q sc = 20 MMSCFD [566 MSm3/D] Ts = 150ºF [65.6ºC]

p s = 75 psig [517 kPag] p d = 1,000 psig [6,895 kPag]
γ g = 0.6 k = 1.24
Elevation = 5,000 ft [1,524 m]
Assume η p = 1 and E m = 0.95 .
Calculate the power requirements. Is a reciprocating compressor appropriate?

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 Example 7.3

zPreliminary Calculations
» ps = 87.2 psia [601 KPa], pd = 1012 psia
[6979 kPa]
» RT = 11.6
» zs = 0.992, zd = 0.949
zNumber of Stages
» Try 2
– R = (11.6)0.5 = 3.41
– Td = 773 R [411 K] > 760 R
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 Example 7.3

z Number of Stages
» Try 3
– R = (11.6)0.33 = 2.26
– Td = 715 R [379 K] < 760 R
z ACFM
» 2,720 cu.ft./min
» Either reciprocating or centrifugal is ok
z Power Requirements
» Approximate = 2,287 HP [2,452 kW]
» Accurate = 965 x 3 = 2,895 HP [2,226 kW]

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 Problem 7.6

An oil field in Tunisia is producing 5 MMSCFD [142 MSm3/D] of gas at a

discharge pressure of 51 psia [352 kPa]. The specific gravity of gas is 0.68, and
the discharge temperature is 115ºF [46ºC]. The gas will have to be delivered to a
gas turbine facility at 100 psia [689 kPa]. The gas can be carried out in a 4” [10.2
cm] pipeline at a distance of 32,808 ft [10,000 m]. The gas turbine facility is
located at 210 ft [64 m] below in elevation compared to the discharge location.

Design an appropriate compressor to provide the gas at 100 psia [689 kPa] for gas
turbine.

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 Solution – Problem 7.6

z Angle of declination = .3660

z Upstream pressure in pipeline = 337 psia
[2,294 kPa]
z RT = 337/51 = 6.56
z No of Stages
» Try 2: R = (6.56)0.5 = 2.56
» Check Td to be less than 760 R
z ACFM = 1,100 cu.ft/min
» Use either rotary or reciprocating
z Power (Approximate) = 606 HP [453 kW]
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 Well Performance

Well 1 Well 2

Centralized pd Trunck Line

Compressor Facility
ps

Well 3
Well 4

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 Well Performance

zThe discharge pressure is controlled by

pipeline requirements
zThe suction pressure is controlled by
power of compressor and capacity
zFor a given suction pressure, the well
head pressure is different for each well
depending on the connecting pipe
pressure drop

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 Procedure
z For a given power and discharge pressure, calculate
suction pressure for various compressor capacities
z For the same suction pressure, determine the well
head pressure for each well (add pressure drop in the
connecting pipeline)
z Calculate the rate from each well at that well head
pressure using individual well performance
z Add the rates from all the well (productive capacity or
reservoir performance)
z Plot productive capacity as a function of suction
pressure. On the same graph plot compressor
capacity as a function of suction pressure. The
intersection provides the rate
z Evaluate other compressors the same way to
determine the optimal compressor
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 Example 7.7

Potential im provem ent of a cluster of three w ells is currently being evaluated

through the use of a screw com pressor. The current perform ance of the three
wells is show n below. The shut-in conditions at the w ell head are available.
Assum e that the perform ance of a w ell can be captured by:

(
q sc = C p whs
2
− p wh
2
)
n

where p whs represents the shut-in w ell head pressure and p wh represents the
flowing w ell head pressure. n is assum ed to be 0.85.
pwhs pwh Rate Δp pipe
Well # psig kPag psig kPag MSCFD Sm3/D psi kPa
1 31 214 22 152 116 3,285 2 14
2 38 262 22 159 82 2,322 4 28
3 30 207 23 159 120 3,398 13 90

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 Example 7.7

The last column in the table above represents the pressure drop in the pipeline
connecting a particular well to the compressor. As an approximation, we assume
that the pressure drop across the pipeline is reasonably constant and does not
change with the rate. The atmospheric pressure is 13.2 psia [91 kPa]. The
operator would like to install a compressor so that the well head pressure is
reduced to increase the production. The pressure at the suction can decrease to as
low as -8 psig [-55.2 kPag]. The discharge pressure is 25 psig [172 kPag].

Three different compressors are considered for compression: 30 HP [22.4 kW],

50 HP [37.3 kW], and 70 HP [52.2 kW]. Calculate the incremental production
after installing each of the compressors.

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 Example 7.7

If we assume that the cost of the compressor can be approximated as $900/BHP

[$1,205/kW], and the compressor requires 280 SCF/BHP [10.6 Sm3/kW] of fuel,
recommend a compressor for this project. Assume the price of the gas to be
$5/MSCF [$0.18/Sm3] and the incremental production can continue for at least
three years. For a project to be feasible, the payback period should be less than
one year.

Assume, for the purposes of calculation, BHP is related to rate by:

BHP = 23qsc ( pd ps )

where qsc is in MMSCFD.

In SI units,

kW = 0.606qsc ( pd ps )

where qsc is in MSm3/D.

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 Example 7.7

z Performance Equation
qsc
C=
(p 2
whs −p )
2 n
wh

z Solving for C using current rate for each well,

we obtain:
C
Well # Field SI
1 0.435 0.462
2 0.184 0.195
3 0.557 0.592

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 Example 7.7

z Calculation of rate at different ps

q = 0.435[(31 + 13.2) − (− 8 + 13.2 + 2) ] q = 0.462[(213 + 91) − (− 55 + 91 + 14) ]
2 2 0.85 2 2 0.85
sc sc

= 267 MSCFD = 7,548 SM 3 / D

Suction Well #1 Well #2 Well #3 TOTAL

psig kPag MSCFD Sm3/D MSCFD Sm3/D MSCFD Sm3/D MSCFD Sm3/D
-8 -55.2 267 7,548 144 4,069 285 8,058 695 19,676
-6 -41.4 263 7,437 142 4,014 272 7,714 677 19,165
-4 -27.6 258 7,299 139 3,947 259 7,331 656 18,577
0 0 245 6,939 133 3,780 228 6,443 606 17,162
2 13.8 237 6,717 130 3,679 210 5,934 577 16,330
4 27.6 228 6,465 126 3,566 190 5,379 544 15,411
6 41.4 218 6,184 122 3,442 169 4,775 509 14,401
8 55.2 207 5,872 117 3,306 145 4,117 470 13,295

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 Example 7.7
z Calculate rate based on power equation
HP ps
qsc = ⋅
23 pd 22.4 (− 55 + 91)
qsc =
30 (− 8 + 13.2) 0.606 (172 + 91)
=
23 (25 + 13.2) = 5.03 MSm 3 D or 5,028 SM 3 D
= 0.178 MMSCFD or 178 MSCFD
Suction BHP = 30 (22.4 kW) BHP = 50 (37.3 kW) BHP = 70 (52.2 kW)
psig kPag MSCFD Sm3/D MSCFD Sm3/D MSCFD Sm3/D
-8 -55.2 178 5,028 296 8,380 414 11,732
-6 -41.4 246 6,962 410 11,603 574 16,244
-4 -27.6 314 8,895 524 14,826 733 20,756
0 0 451 12,763 751 21,271 1,052 29,780
2 13.8 519 14,697 865 24,494 1,211 34,292
4 27.6 587 16,630 979 27,717 1,370 38804
6 41.4 656 18,564 1,093 30,940 1,530 43,316
8 55.2 724 20,498 1,206 34,163 1,689 47,829

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 Example 7.7

1,400 40,000
P=70 HP
[52.2 kW] P=50 HP
1,200
[37.3 kW]
30,000
1,000
Rate, MSCFD

Rate, Sm /D
3
P=30 HP
800 [22.4 kW]
20,000
600

400
10,000
200

- -
-10 -5 0 5 10
Suction Pressure, psig

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 Example 7.7

z Incremental rate vs. costs

Power Gross Rate Fuel Net Rate Δq sc
BHP kW MSCFD Sm3/D SCFD Sm3/D MSCFD Sm3/D MSCFD Sm3/D
0 0 318 9,005 0 0 318 9,005 0 0
30 22.4 560 15,857 8,400 238 552 15,620 234 6,615
50 37.3 630 17,840 14,000 396 616 17,443 64 1,824
70 52.2 666 18,859 19,600 555 646 18,304 30 861

Δqsc Payback Period

Compressor # Cost Δ Cost MSCFD Sm3/D Days
1 27,000 0 234 6,615 23
2 45,000 18,000 64 1,824 56
3 63,000 18,000 30 861 118

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 Supplemental Problem

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 Supplemental Problem

Three compressors (2,000 HP, 3,000

HP and 4,000 HP) are considered. The
plant has a capacity to process up to
2.5 MMSCFD of H2S. The upgrade of
the plant would cost $ 5 million dollars.
Determine the best compressor for this
configuration.

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 Solution – Suppl Problem

140.0

4,000
120.0

100.0
qsc, MMSCFD

3,000
80.0

2,000
60.0

40.0

20.0

0.0
0 200 400 600 800 1000

ps, psia

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 Solution – Suppl Problem

Power qsc qfuel qH2S

3 3 3
HP KW MMSCFD MSm /d MMSCFD MSm /d MMSCFD MSm /d
0 0 40.6 1,150 0 0 2.0 57.5
2000 1492 48.2 1,365 0.6 17 2.4 68.2
3000 2238 54 1,529 0.9 25 2.7 76.5
4000 2984 56.4 1,597 1.2 34 2.8 79.9

qnet Δqnet Cost Δcost Payback

3 3
MMSCFD MSm /d MMSCFD MSm /d ($ million) Days
38.6 1,092 0 0 0 0
45.2 1,280 6.6 187.5 4 4 121
50.4 1,427 5.2 147.5 11 7 269
52.4 1,483 2.0 56.1 13 2 202

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 Problem 7.10

A marginal well in Canada is being considered for possible application of a well

site compressor to enhance the performance.7 The performance of a well based
on shut-in conditions can be represented by, in field units,

[
q sc = 0.2265 pwhs
2
− p wh
2
] 0.94

where pwhs is shut-in well head pressure in psia, and q is in MSCFD. In SI units,

[
q sc = 0.1712 p whs
2
− p wh
2
] 0.94

where qsc is in Sm3/D and pwh is in kPa. The pwhs is 126 psia [870 kPa].

Two potential screw compressors are being considered – one with 95 BHP [71
kW] and one with 145 BHP [108 kW]. The relationship between power and rate
for a 95 BHP [71 kW] compressor is given by:

BHP = 33 q sc ( p d p s )

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 Problem 7.10

where qsc is in MMSCFD and pd ps is the overall pressure ratio. In SI units,

kW = 0.606 qsc ( pd ps ) where qsc is in MSm3/D.

For a 145 BHP [108 kW] compressor, the relationship is provided by:

BHP = 33.2 qsc ( pd ps )

In SI units,

kW = 0.875 qsc ( pd ps )

The discharge pressure is maintained constant at 265 psia [1,827 kPa]. Calculate
the incremental rate for the well using both of the compressors. Assume base line
wellhead pressure to be 110 psia [758 kPa] to calculate the incremental rate. If
the cost of the compressor is $1,200/BHP [$1,607/kW], and the price of gas is
$4.50/MSCF [$0.16/Sm3], calculate the payback period assuming a constant
incremental rate.
Gas Production Engineering Compressors -50
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 Problem 7.10

If, in addition to incremental rate, the well is expected to add 1.6 BCF [45
MMSm3] of gas in additional reserves, what is the development cost based on the
cost of the compressor? Assume that the leasehold cost per month will increase
by $1,100/month after installation of the compressor and the fuel cost is 300
SCF/BHP [11.4 Sm3/kW].

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Mohan Kelkar
 Solution – Problem 7.10

ps q
z Well Performance psia kPa MSCFD
3
Sm /D
30 207 1,905 53,950
50 345 1,713 48,513
70 483 1,423 40,284
90 621 1,029 29,136
110 758 522 14,775

z Compressor ps
BHP =95 [71 kW]
q
BHP = 145 [108 kW]
q
Performance psia
30
kPa
207
MSCFD
307
Sm /D
3

8,701
MSCFD
494
3
Sm /D
14,001
50 345 512 14,502 824 23,335
70 483 717 20,303 1,154 32,669
90 621 922 26,104 1,483 42,002
110 758 1,127 31,904 1,813 51,336

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Mohan Kelkar
 Solution – Problem 7.10

2,500 70,000
60,000
2,000 BHP =145
Rate, MSCFD

Rate, Sm3/D
50,000
1,500 40,000
BHP =95

1,000 30,000
20,000
500
10,000
- -
0 50 100 150
Suction Pressure, psia

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Mohan Kelkar
 Solution – Problem 7.10

z Incremental Rate
» For BHP = 95, Δq = 428 MSCFD [12.1 MSm3/D]
» For BHP = 145, Δq = 728 MSCFD [20.6 MSm3/D]
z Payback Period
» For BHP = 95, time = 65 days
» For BHP = 145, time = 57 days
95 × 1, 200 × 30.4
payback ( days ) =
(428 − 0.3 × 95)4.50 × 30.4 − 1,100

z Development Cost
» For BHP = 95, Cost = $ 0.07/MSCF
» For BHP = 145, Cost = $ 0.11/MSCF

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Mohan Kelkar
 Problem 7.11

Data from six wells is given below:

Flow Rate pwh pwhs Δp line

3
Well Name MCFD Sm /D PSIA kPa PSIA kPa PSI kPa
1 67.1 1,900 18 124.1 22.1 152.7 3 20.7
2 68.3 1,934 19.5 134.4 26.4 182.2 4.5 31.0
3 78.8 2,231 17.5 120.7 22.8 157.2 2.5 17.2
4 111.2 3,149 19.5 134.4 28.6 197.1 4.5 31.0
5 51.9 1,470 18 124.1 27.0 186.5 3 20.7
6 60.1 1,702 19 131.0 29.8 205.7 4 27.6

Currently, the suction pressure is 15 psia [103 kPa] and the line pressure is 42 psia [290 kPa].
We want to investigate the effect of suction pressure being reduced to as much as 2 psia [13.8 kPa]
Investigate 3 compressors with power 50 HP [37.3 kW], 100 HP [74.6 kW] and 150 HP [112 kW]
assume the equation for compressor is given by P = 33 q(pd/ps) [0.87q(pd/ps)]

Gas Production Engineering Compressors -55

Mohan Kelkar
 Solution 7.11
1600

1400
150 HP
1200

1000 100 HP
q, MSCFD

800

600 50 HP
400

200

0
0 5 10 15

ps , psia

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Mohan Kelkar
 Summary

zCompressors have many applications in

gas industry
zDesign of compressors requires three
step process – number of stages,
ACFM and horse power requirements
zSystem performance can be extended
to compressor optimization process

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Mohan Kelkar