Optimizing Gas Compression Systems for Changing Duties

Written By Sodi Toby

The discovery of small fields often leads to the installation of low-cost facilities. However, further nearby discoveries result in a requirement to handle increased duties. Unreliability of such facilities from the off-design operation is common.

The case of an oil/gas producing platform is presented. Process gas is compressed in three stages. Excessive recycling of the stages caused unreliability. The system was also unable to handle planned tie-backs.

The extent of recycling was analyzed and the reasons were understood. The inflexibility of the compression stages due to running at a common speed was the main cause of unreliability. The off-design operation also resulted in a sub-optimal match of the stages.  Control of each stage was achieved by means of recycling valves, leading to excessive recycling and power wastage. A redesign of the LP stage was recommended. This was demonstrated to cost-effectively and significantly reduce recycling and release sufficient capacity for the planned tie-back. 

10 Illustrations

17 pages

Cost: COMPLIMENTARY

Optimizing Gas Compression Systems for Changing Duties

Sodi Toby
Sodi serves as our Managing Director and Projects Director. He has management and technical oversight across our offices. He graduated from the University of Sussex, UK with a first class MSc in Turbomachinery. Sodi has a track record of successfully managing production optimization and field development studies for major oil and gas companies internationally. He is an expert in gas compression and integrated asset modelling with more than a decade experience. In his career, the value he has provided in these areas has led to significant decisions which have provided immense production and project benefits for several operating companies. He has previously held senior roles including Head of Projects and Management Team Leader in a reputable engineering consulting firm from which he left to start up Eta Energy Solutions. He has also in previous roles, led software development teams in developing bespoke integrated asset modelling software. Sodi is a Chartered Engineer, professionally recognized by the Engineering Council (UK) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). He is also a professionally recognised member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (UK) and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). He speaks regularly and presents technical papers at international oil and gas conferences across the world.
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