Table – Comparison for Sweet Gas Compressor
Cap. 14.5 MMSCFD | P/T, Suct / Disc : 800 kPag @ 55 °C / 4000 kPag @ 202.1 °C
Integrally Geared Centrifugal Centrifugal Compressors Reciprocating Compressor Dry Screw Wet or Flooded Screw
No. Description
API 617 Part 3 API 617 Part 2 API 618 API 619 API 619
Wide operating range. Wide range of applications. Wide range of applications.
Suitable for low flowrate (capacity) and high
1 Operation Range Limited operating flow range
pressure ratio
Instability at reduced flow For low and medium pressure, medium volumes For low and medium pressure, medium volumes
Relatively inexpensive method of Wide pressure ratios for multistage but lower Wide pressure ratios. Highest pressure ratio for
2 Compression ratio Lower pressure ratio Lower Pressure Ratio
obtaining a high compression ration than multistage reciprocating. multistage
Higher Speed due to furnished with
3 Speed High Speed Lower Speed High Speed High Speed
integrally geared
4 Efficiency High efficiency at best efficiency point High efficiency at best efficiency point High efficiency Efficient Wet screw has high efficiency and high pressure ratio
High maintenance compared to dynamic
compressors Lower than Reciprocating compressor due to Lower than Reciprocating compressor due to
5 Maintenance High reliability and low maintenance High reliability and low maintenance
less contacting parts less contacting parts
More routine maintenance
More tolerant of changes in gas composition than
Sensitive to liquids in the gas stream.
Sensitive to liquids in the gas stream Dry screw insensitive to changes in gas composition dynamic compressors.
6 Gas Composition Variation Flexible to changes in gas composition
and can handle dirty gases
Sensitive to changes in gas composition
Wet screw not suitable for corrosive or dirty gases
Less weight compared to reciprocating Heavier and required large footprint. More compact than dynamic / reciprocating More compact than dynamic / reciprocating
7 Size, Weight More compact than Conventional CC
pump Heavy foundations required due to unbalanced forces compressors compressors
More complexity than single-stage
Less complexity due to less contacting More complex due to many internal parts and
8 Complexity of components Conventional CC due to furnished with Less complex Less complex
part / components contacting components
integrally geared
9 Oil Free Yes Yes Yes for non-lubricated sliding parts Yes Required oil-injected
10 Noise & Vibration Less noise & vibration Less noise & vibration Produce greater noise and vibration. Less noise & vibration Less noise & vibration
Installation cost for setting up centrifugal
Installation cost for setting up centrifugal Installation cost for setting up reciprocating
10 Installation compressor is Higher than Conventional Less installation cost Less installation cost
compressor is lower compressor is higher
CC
More higher capital cost compared to
11 Cost Usually higher capital cost Usually lower capital cost Less capital cost Less capital cost
conventional cc
References:
- S:\Projects\8923 - PHE Jambi Merang ES\WO-016\32 Mechanical\DELIVERABLE LIST\Study Konseptual PG Boster Compressor (PR_ME_CE_CO)\03 RevC (AFD)\PDF
- GPSA Engineering Data Book Gas Processing-12th-ed2004
- PIP REEC001 Compressor Selection Guideline
- [Link]
Reference: Compressor Handbook_ Principles and Practice
Compressors Comparative
Table 1 Compressor Comparative Table
Integrally Geared Wet
Centrifugal Reciprocating Flooded
Compressor Dry Screw Screw
Parameter Compressor Compressor Screw
API 617 Chapter API 619 API
API 617 Chapter 2 API 618 API 619
3 619
Wet/Oil flooded
Oil free compressor Yes Yes Yes Yes compressor not
required
Mean Time between
4 to 6 Years 4 to 6 Years Yearly Yearly
Major Overhaul
Number of
Compressor 1 1 1 + 1(Standby) 1 + 1(Standby)
Required
2 Stages/2
Stages & Casing 3 Stage/1 Casing 6 Impeller/1 Casing 2 Stages Casing +
Intercooler
Power Required ~ 1400 KW
Note:
In general, Centrifugal Compressors are designed above 2000HP/1500KW or above 1800 ACFM.
Table 2 Pros and Const Table for Integral Geared Compressor
Integral Geared Compressor
Pros Cons
IGC have not been used very successfully at
Can handle Discharge Temp up to 300C
variable speeds
Relatively smaller footprint and weight than a
conventional centrifugal compressor (CC), more sensitive to unbalance
because they run at higher speeds
Generally higher polytropic efficiency - so
more sensitive to impeller fouling.
lower power consumption
More disassembly required to change
Integral gear compressors can be less
compressor seals, including impeller and
expensive (~33% less for the package)
process piping removal.
Comparatively shorter lead time than more complex dynamic behaviour related to
Convention CC vibration and noise.
Usually lesser number of Anti Surge
Narrow operating range without recycle
Valve/recycle for all stages.
Conclusion: Why IGC is selected over CC for Gas Commercialization concept study.
1. IGC Compressor can handle high discharge temperature (~300C), helpful to select Single Casing
without intercooler compressor.
2. HYSYS shows at 5000 kPag discharge temp is 224C – Centrifugal compressors are not fit at this
discharge pressure/temp and required intercooler to achieve required pressure. While IGC can
easily handle 5000kpag and 224C temp.
3. As per previous experience IGC compressors has low footprint and cost, compared to Centrifugal
Compressor.
4. Shorter lead time.
5. In general, centrifugal compressors are design above 2000HP/1500KW, in our case CC is on the
edge of selection. While IGC is proven for this power range.
