POL

Petroleum Open Learning

Petroleum Gas
Compression
Part of the
Petroleum Processing Technology Series

OPITO

THE OIL & GAS ACADEMY

Petroleum Gas Compression - Unit 1 - An Overview

(Part of the Petroleum Processing Technology Series)

Contents

Page

Training Targets

1.2

Introduction

1.3

Section 1 - Compressor Applications

1.4

Section 2 - Basic Principles of Compression

1.15

Pressure - Volume Relationship

Temperature - Volume Relationship
The Combined Gas Law
Energy

Section 3 - Types of Compressor

The Compressor Family Tree

Positive Displacement Compressors
Continuous Flow Compressors
Compressor Selection

Check Yourself - Answers

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Petroleum Open Learning

Visual Cues
training targets for you to achieve
by the end of the unit

test yourself questions to see how

much you understand

check yourself answers to let you

see if you have been thinking along
the right lines

activities for you to apply your new

knowledge

1.32

summaries for you to recap on the

major steps in your progress

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Petroleum Open Learning

Training Targets
When you have completed Unit 1 of the Petroleum Gas Compression series you will be able to :

List the main uses of compressors in the petroleum producing industry.

Perform simple calculations involving pressure, temperature and volume relationships.

Explain how energy conservation principles are applied to compressor technology.

Define compression ratio and compressor capacity.

Describe the compressor family tree.

List the factors which influence compressor selection.

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Petroleum Gas Compression - Unit 1 - An Overview

Petroleum Open Learning

Introduction

In the petroleum industry, the two main hydrocarbon components dealt with are crude oil and natural gas.
These substances are produced together from the underground reservoir in varying proportions.
At the surface, the oil and gas are separated from each other. These two streams are then further processed
independently, where necessary.
The oil may then be pumped to a refinery, or a terminal
for onward transportation.
The gas which is separated from the oil may be
transported by pipeline for sale. It can also be used on
site for a number of other applications. For instance:

This unit is the first in a series which covers the

subject of gas compression. In this one, we will have
a look at the basic principles of compression. The
second unit in the series will cover reciprocating
compressors, the third will concentrate on centrifugal
machines, whilst the fourth will be dealing with other
types of compressor.

it may be injected back into the reservoir to

help maintain the pressure there

it could be used in wells to assist them to flow,

using a technique known as gas lift

it may be used as fuel on the plant or platform

I have called this unit an overview. It is necessary

to introduce the subject in some detail before
concentrating on specific types of machine. Therefore,
in the unit, we will cover material which is common to
all compressor technology.

some of its constituents may be removed as a

liquid in a gas liquids recovery plant

The unit is divided into 3 sections, and we will be

looking at them in the following order:

But, however the gas may be used, it invariably will

be at too Iow a pressure when it leaves the separation
system. In order to transport the gas, or allow it to
do useful work, it will usually need compressing to a
higher pressure. This requires the use of some kind of
gas compression plant.

Basic principles of compression - Here we

will look at the underlying theory of gas
compression. In this section, you will also be
introduced to some of the terms and
expressions commonly used in compression
technology

Types of compressor - This section will

concentrate on the different types of
compressor in common use and their
suitability or otherwise for specific applications

Compressor applications -In this section

we will consider the reasons for, and uses of,
compressors in a petroleum producing
operation

1.

Petroleum Gas Compression - Unit 1 - An Overview

Section 1 - Compressor Applications

Petroleum Open Learning

In this section we will consider typical compressor

applications on an offshore production platform. Of
course, what we cover would be applicable to an
onshore plant, but the emphasis here will be offshore
Lets look first at a simplified flow diagram for an oil
and gas processing system.
Figure 1 shows such a diagram

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Petroleum Open Learning

You will see that, after gathering the well fluids

together, the first part of the process is a separation
system. Here the oil, water and gas which are
produced from the reservoir are separated from each
other. (This process is covered in detail in the Oil
and Gas Separation Unit, which is also part of our
Petroleum Processing Technology Series of open
learning programmes.) After separation, the crude oil
is treated if necessary, metered and pumped away for
further processing.
The produced water is cleaned, and then disposed of.

But we are particularly interested in what happens to

the gas. Let us look a little more closely at this. We
will trace the gas flow through the various facilities,
and will build up a simple picture of the gas process
operation.
A separation system may consist of a number of
separators working in series. They operate at
successively lower pressures. The actual number of
vessels and their operating pressures will depend on
variables such as :

Reservoir pressure
pressure
Reservoir

Ratios and
produced
(the (the
of oilgas
andvolumes
gas volumes
produced
field Gas Oil Ratio - G.O.R.)

Pressure requirements of platform gas

facilities

The system Ii am using as an example in this unit has

has
two stages
two stages
of separation
of separation
operating
operating
at 17atbar
17 and
bar 1.4
and
bar respectively.
1.4 bar respectively.

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Petroleum Open Learning

In order to recombine the gas from each stage for

further use, the pressure of the gas leaving the 2nd
stage of separation must be increased to the pressure
of the 1st stage. A compressor is therefore required to
do this.
Figure 3 develops the gas flow diagram to include
this compressor.

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Petroleum Open Learning

After compression from 2nd to 1st stage separator pressure, all the gas is now at a pressure of 17 bar. However,
in our example, the gas will require drying {dehydrating} and will have some of its constituents liquefied in a gas
liquids recovery plant. This requires the gas to be at an even higher pressure. A further stage of compression is
therefore required at this point. In our hypothetical process plant the pressure is raised from 17 bar to 68 bar.
Figure 4 shows this further stage of compression and shows, in outline, the gas liquids
recovery system.

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Petroleum Open Learning

The residual gas, after dehydration and gas liquids

recovery, will be used for three things:

gas lift

gas export

gas re-injection into the reservoir

In order to export the gas from the offshore location to

a terminal onshore a much higher pressure is now
required at the platform. Similarly, extra pressure is
needed to inject the gas into the well for gas lift. At this
point in our example, therefore, the pressure is raised
to 170 bar by further compression.
Figure 5 shows this.

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Petroleum Open Learning

Even at this high pressure, we would not be able to

re-inject the gas into the reservoir. The actual pressure
required to do this would depend on a number of
things such as :
reservoir depth
reservoir pressure
type of reservoir rock
In our example, we need a pressure
of, say, 408 bar. So, yet another
stage of compression is required.
Figure 6 completes our simple
diagram of gas flow on a platform.

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Petroleum Open Learning

We have just been considering the gas flow on an

oil production platform. Of course, the gas which is
produced from the reservoir may not be associated
with oil. We may be looking at a gasfield.
In the early days of production from a typical gas
field, the pressure of the gas at the surface will be
sufficient to transport it to shore. As the life of the
field progresses, however, the natural pressure of
the reservoir declines. A point is reached where this
pressure is no longer sufficient to transport the gas to
shore.
When this happens, it is necessary to install gas
compression plant on the platform.

We have just been looking at the compression of

natural gas from the reservoir. However, there are a
number of other applications of compression which you
could come across in petroleum producing operations.
Lets consider some of these:

In all cases, the pressure required may be in the

region of, say, 10 bar.
A typical air compression package might consist of
the following items:

Compressed Air Systems

air prefilter

Compressed air is required on a platform to supply

the following :

air compressor

instrument air
works air
inert gas generation
The instrument air system requires a plentiful supply
of clean, dry air at an adequate pressure.

wet air receiver

air drier
instrument air receiver
A schematic layout of such a system is shown in
Figure 7.

A works air system is required to drive tools and

equipment around the platform. It may not be quite
so demanding in terms of air dryness, but a plentiful
supply must be maintained.
Inert gas is required on the platform for purging
equipment and providing a blanket of non-flammable
gas in certain vessels. The gas used is nitrogen, which
is manufactured from atmospheric air on the platform.
The inert gas generator requires a supply of air at a
suitable pressure.

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Petroleum Open Learning

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Petroleum Open Learning

Refrigeration Systems
The gas liquids recovery system, which I referred
to earlier, requires gas to be chilled to a fairly low
temperature, i.e. -30C or less. One way of doing this
uses a refrigeration system.
A refrigeration system which employs a compressor
is the vapour compression cycle process. In this
process, the refrigerant in the form of a vapour is
first compressed, then condensed to a liquid. This is
followed by expansion over a valve, and evaporation,
to achieve the necessary cooling effect. The process
then starts again.
It is not my intention to look at the process in any detail
in this unit. However, Figure 8 illustrates it in outline.

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Petroleum Open Learning

Portable Air Compressors

Test Yourself 1.1

It may be necessary, particularly during the

construction of a platform, to have access to
compressed air in locations where there is no supply.
In this case portable compressors may be employed.

The following statements are either true or false. Indicate with a tick in the box provided which statements
belong in which category. If the statement is false, correct it.

HVAC Blowers
On an offshore platform, the accommodation will
require a heating, ventilation and air conditioning
(HVAC) system. This will necessitate the use of low
pressure/high volume compressors, which are often
referred to as blowers.

1.

Oil and gas are separated from each other in separators which
always operate at high pressures.

2.

Some of the components of a gas stream leaving a separator can

be liquified.

3.

Excess gas on a platform is disposed of by flaring.

4.

The pressure required to inject gas into a reservoir depends on the

amount of gas liquids which have been recovered.

5.

Compressed air is only required on a platform for inflating tyres on a

helicopter.

TRUE

FALSE

You will find the answers in Check Yourself 1.1 on page 1.32
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Petroleum Open Learning

Summary of Section 1
In Section 1, I have tried to show you some applications of gas compression in petroleum processing.
In the section, you saw that gas which is separated from oil is usually at too Iow a pressure to be transported or
to do useful work. Compression facilities are required to raise the pressure of the gas for:
gas liquids recovery
gas lift
gas export
gas injection
You also saw that compressors are required for instrument and works air, and for refrigeration purposes.
Im sure that you could think of a few more applications of compressors, but the ones I have just described are
the major ones in petroleum production operations.
You now have an overall impression of the way in which compressors are used. In Section 2 we will move on
to look at some of the basic scientific principles which affect the way in which compressors work.

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Petroleum Gas Compression - Unit 1 - An Overview

Section 2 - Basic Principles of Compression

You saw in Section 1 of this Unit how important the
gas compression facilities are in a petroleum
producing operation. In this section we are going to
look at some of the basic principles of compression
- some of the rules which govern how gases behave
when they are subjected to changes in pressure,
temperature and volume.
We will also look briefly at the application of energy
conservation principles to gas compression.
Finally, I will introduce some of the terms and
expressions which are commonly used in
compressor technology.
Lets start by having a look at the relationship
between the pressure and volume of a gas.
You should be aware that the following relationships
apply to what is often referred to as an ideal gas.
In the real world, however, gases are not ideal and
their behaviour departs from the ideal situation.
The magnitude of this deviation depends upon the
nature of the gas, and the actual pressures and
temperatures involved. More advanced calculations
can account for these deviations - for example, by
the use of compressibility factors.
However. for our purposes, in this Compressor
Programme we are assuming ideal conditions.

Pressure - Volume Relationship

Petroleum Open Learning

The basic law which relates pressure and volume in

a gas is known as Boyles law. This law states
that:

the pressure in this relationship has to be the

absolute pressure or the pressure above
absolute zero pressure. Absolute pressure
means the pressure read on a gauge, plus the
pressure of the atmosphere :

At a constant temperature, the volume of a

given mass of gas is inversely proportional to
its absolute pressure

absolute pressure = gauge pressure +

atmospheric pressure

This may be written as an equation, as follows:

P1V1 = P2V2
In this equation:
P1 is the initial pressure in absolute units
V1 is the initial volume
P2 is the final pressure in absolute units
V2 is the final volume
Two things should be noted here:

the process has to be at a constant

temperature. Any process which takes place
at a constant temperature is known as an
isothermal process

For example, when using bar as the unit of

pressure:
bara = barg + atmospheric pressure
For our purposes we will take the atmospheric
pressure to be 1 bar, although the exact figure
is 1.01325 bar.
The inverse relationship in Boyles Law means that
if the volume of the gas is reduced, the pressure
increases. Similarly, if the volume is increased the
pressure is reduced.
This relationship can be shown in a simple
illustration.
Figure 9 overleaf shows this

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Petroleum Open Learning

We can use the Boyles Law equation to determine

the change in volume of a gas with changes in
pressure and vice versa. I will show you a worked
example first. Then try Test Yourself 1.2 out for
yourself :

1.16

Petroleum Open Learning

EXAMPLE 1

BOYLES LAW CALCULATION

Test Yourself 1.2

If 100 litres of gas is compressed from 10 barg to 15 barg, what will be its volume
after this compression at constant temperature.
First remember to convert the pressures to absolute units,
P1 =
P2 =
V1 =
V2 =

10 + 1 = 11 bara
15 + 1 = 16 bara
100 litres
The volume after compression

Boyles Law states

P1 V1 = P2 V2
We must rearrange this equation
ie
V2 =

P1V1
P2

V2 =

11 x 100
16

= 68.75 litres

Using Boyles Law

a)

300 litres of gas at 2 barg is

compressed to 5 barg at constant
temperature. What will be its new
volume?

b)
The volume of a mass of gas at
20 barg is reduced from 1800 litres

to 600 litres at constant temperature.

What will be its final pressure?

You will find the answers in

Check Yourself 1.2 on page 1.33

Now lets look at the relationship between

temperature and volume.
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Petroleum Open Learning

Temperature - Volume Relationship

The basic law in this relationship is Charless Law.
This states that :
In a constant pressure process, the volume of a
given mass of gas is directly proportional to its
absolute temperature.
Once again, we are dealing in absolute values - this
time absolute temperature.
The absolute temperature is the temperature above
absolute zero.
Absolute zero is the lowest point on the absolute
temperature scale, which is measured in units
called Kelvin (K) in the S1 system. In Imperial
system the units are known as Rankine (oR)
On the Celsius temperature scale, absolute zero
(OoK) is at -273.15C. (A convention, which is by
no means universally applied, is to omit the term
degree when using absolute temperature units).
On the Fahrenheit scale, absolute zero (OoR) is at
-459.67F
In most practical situations sufficient accuracy is
achieved by using 273 as the conversion factor
between Celsius and Kelvin, and 460 between
Fahrenheit and Rankine. So, to quote an absolute
temperature in Kelvin, when we are working with
Celsius units, we add 273 to the temperature in
Celsius.

Test Yourself 1.3

Note that this process is at constant pressure,

Such a process is called an isobaric process.

State the following temperatures in absolute

units.

The Charless Law relationship means that, if

the temperature of a fixed mass of gas is
increased at a constant pressure, its volume
will also increase.

1. 40C

Again a simple drawing, Figure 10, on the

next page, shows this.

2.

100C

3.

0C

You will find the answers in Check

Yourself 1.3 on page 1.33

i.e. 100C = ( 100 + 273 )

= 373 Kelvin ( absolute)
Check that you understand this by doing the following
Test Yourself

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Petroleum Open Learning

As before, the relationship can be written as an

equation for calculation purposes:

V1
V2
T1 = T2

This equation can be used to calculate the change

in volume with changes in temperature and vice
versa. Again, a worked example is given first. Test
Yourself 1.4 then gives you further practice at using
Charless law.

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Petroleum Open Learning

EXAMPLE 2

Test Yourself 1.4

CHARLESS LAW CALCULATION

If 100 litres of gas is heated from 40C to 80C at constant pressure, what
will be its final volume?
Again, remember to use absolute units.

V1
=
100 litres
T1
= 40 +273
= 313 K
T2
=
80 +273
= 353 K
V2
=
Final volume.

a)

b)
800 litres of gas at a temperature of
55C is reduced ISOBARICALLY to a

volume of 700 litres. What will be the

final temperature?

Charless law states

V1
T1 =

The temperature of 50 litres of gas is

raised from 16C to 38C at constant
pressure. What will be the volume of the
gas at 38C?

V2
T2

rearrange the equation

V2
=

V1T2
T1

V2

100 x 353
313

113 litres

You will find the answers in

Check Yourself 1.4 on page 1.34

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Petroleum Open Learning

The Combined Gas Law

The two laws of Boyle and Charles can be combined
to allow us to relate all three variables of pressure,
volume and temperature.
This combined gas law may be written as:

P1V1
T1
=

P2V2
T2

It reminds me of a bicycle pump. The piston within

the cylinder is reducing the volume of gas. You will
remember from Boyles Law that this reduction in
volume will increase the pressure.
If, in Figure 9, we :
remove the compressed gas from the cylinder
when the piston is at the bottom of its stroke
refill with low pressure gas as the piston
moves upwards again

You will remember that the relationships we have

just been looking at apply to what is called a perfect
gas. In reality, however, gases are not perfect, but
real. They do not behave exactly as you would
expect from these (perfect) gas laws. For practical
purposes, however, we can use these gas laws to
perform basic calculations.

we have a simple reciprocating compressor.

We have just seen how pressure and temperature

alter as we reduce the volume of a fixed mass of
gas. But what does this mean as far as
compression is concerned?

Now lets look at another scientific concept, namely,

energy.

The fact that the pressure will increase as the

volume of a gas is reduced may suggest to us how
we could make a simple compressor. Look back to
Figure 9 on page 1.16. What does the series of
simple drawings remind you of ?

This is, in fact, what a bicycle pump is. We will look

at the construction and operation of reciprocating
compressors in Unit 2 of this series on compressors.

Energy
Although the word energy is very commonly used, it
is difficult to define precisely. We could say that a
person has energy if he or she has the capacity to
do things or influence events. In science, a system
has energy if the objects in the system can do things
and possibly affect other objects.
Consider for a moment the following example.
Supposing you were standing next to a cricket ball
which is resting on the ground. The ball isnt doing
much or affecting anything else. If you picked it up
then threw it at the nearest window, however, it
would certainly be doing something. It would also
be affecting the window. If you picked it up then
dropped it on your toe, it would affect your toe.
The point of this, is that you would have given the
ball energy by lifting it, and then throwing it.
These are two forms of energy.
Lifting the ball gives it potential energy. From its
position in your hand, it was then able to fall and
affect your toe.
Throwing the ball gave it energy of motion. This is
called kinetic energy.
There are many other forms of energy and I have
listed some in the following table.

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Petroleum Open Learning

FORM OF ENERGY

EXAMPLES

Potential

a weight lifted above the ground

Kinetic

Test Yourself 1.5

any moving object

Chemical

gas, oil, coal, etc. They can be burnt to provide

heat energy

Magnetic

available when two magnets repel or attract

each other

Electric

available from an electric socket

Heat

a tank of hot water has more energy than one

full of cold water

Pressure

a vessel at high pressure has more energy than

one at a low pressure

What forms of energy are indicated by the

following:
1.

A separator operating at 40 bar and 80C.

2.

A pallet suspended from a crane hook.

3.

A bottle of propane gas.

4.

An object being pumped along a pipeline.

5.

A boiler full of steam.

You will find the answers in

Check Yourself 1.5 on page 1.35
TABLE 1. SOME FORMS OF ENERGY

The list above is not exhaustive and there are other forms of energy.
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This is a fundamental principle of science - the

principle of conservation of energy.
This principle can be applied in the design of
equipment which is used to change one form of energy
into another.
Imagine having a machine which can rapidly speed
up a mass of gas. Energy would be added to the gas
in the form of kinetic energy. This energy would have
come from the conversion of some of the energy being
used to drive the machine. Now, if the gas is rapidly
slowed down, its kinetic energy is reduced. But the
total energy in the gas must remain the same, so the
kinetic energy must be converted into some other
type of energy. In a compressor the conversion is to
pressure energy and some heat energy.
This is the principle of operation of a centrifugal
compressor, which is the subject of Unit 3 of this
compressor series.

Lets move on now to look at some terms and

expressions which you need to become familiar with
during your investigation of gas compression.

Compression Ratio
A compressor must have the capability to take in
gas at a certain pressure and deliver it at a higher
pressure. The relationship between a compressors
intake and delivery pressure is known as its
compression ratio.
For instance, supposing a compressor takes in gas
at a pressure of 20 bara, and delivers it at 60 bara.
The ratio between delivery and intake pressure is
60 / 20 = 3.
In this case, the compression ratio of the machine
is 3. Note how, once again, the units of pressure
are absolute units, i.e., bara.
If an identical compressor takes in gas at 30 bara
and delivers it at 90 bara its compression ratio is
also 3, i.e. 90/30.

Test Yourself 1.6

a)

A compressor takes in gas at 20 bara

and delivers it at 70 bara. What is its
compression ratio?

b)
The same machine running under the

same conditions takes in gas at
40 bara. What will be the delivery

pressure?

This ratio can be used to make comparisons

between compressors of different types.
Make sure you understand this concept by
trying the following Test Yourself.

You will find the answers in

Check Yourself 1.6 on page 1.35

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Compressor Capacity
When considering the performance of different
compressors, it may be useful to compare the
amount of gas compressed in a certain time for
each.
The volume of gas passing through the machine in a
given period of time is called the compressor
capacity.
The gas, however, is being compressed as it flows
through, and its volume is being reduced. We must
be careful, therefore, Where we measure the volume
flowing through, or capacity.
The compressor capacity is defined as the
volume of gas compressed and delivered per
unit time, expressed in terms of inlet conditions
of temperature and pressure.

A Compressor can be described as having an FAD

of 30m3 per hour at 7 bara. This means that it takes
in 30m3 of air per hour at atmospheric conditions
and delivers it at 7 bara.

Mass Flow Rate

A compressor requires some form of driving motor
or engine. It is important to know the power
requirements of such a machine for a given
compression unit. This power depends on the mass
of gas compressed per unit time rather than the
capacity of the compressor. So another term you
may come across is that of mass flow rate. It is
quoted in units of pounds per second or kilograms
per second.

The most common type of compressor is an air

compressor which takes in air from the atmosphere.
Because of this, gas compressor capacity is often
quoted in terms of air at conditions of atmospheric
pressure and 15C.
You will often see compressor capacity referred to
as the Free Air Delivered (F.A.D.)

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Petroleum Open Learning

Summary of Section 2
In this section we have had a brief look at some basic principles of compression.
First we considered the basic gas laws which relate pressure, volume and temperature.
You saw that the relationship between pressure and volume at constant temperature
can be expressed by the equation:

P1V1 = P2V2

This is known as Boyles Law.

Charless Law relates volume and temperature
when the pressure is constant:

V1
T1 =

V2
T2

You also saw that these equations can be

merged into the Combined Gas Law.

We next considered the principle of energy

conservation. Here you saw that there are many
forms of energy including kinetic ( the energy of
motion) and pressure energy. You saw that energy
cannot be destroyed, but only converted into another
type. I pointed out that gas can be compressed by
increasing its kinetic energy, then converting this
energy into pressure energy.

compressor capacity - the volume of

gas compressed per unit time, expressed
in terms of inlet conditions of temperature
and pressure
mass flowrate - the actual mass of gas
compressed per unit time

Finally we noted some compression terms.

These were:
compression ratio - the ratio of the
discharge to the inlet pressure of a
compressor

In the next section we will go on to look at some

different types of compressor in common use

1.25

Petroleum Gas Compression - Unit 1 - An Overview

Section 3 - Types of Compressors

Petroleum Open Learning

Up to now in this Overview Unit you have seen that

there is a considerable requirement for compression
plant in a petroleum producing operation. You have
also looked at the basic principles of gas
compression. But what kind of machine is used to
achieve the required increase in gas pressure? In
this section we are going to look at the various types
of compressor which are available, and for what
application they are most suited.

The Compressor Family Tree

Compressors can be classified into a number of
categories according to the way they work. This
compressor family tree is shown in Figure 11.

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Petroleum Open Learning

You can see from Figure 11 that all compressors fall

into one of two main groups:
Positive Displacement/Intermittent Flow
Compressors (these are commonly known as
Positive Displacement Compressors and we
will use this term throughout the remainder of
this Unit)
Continuous Flow Compressors
We will start our look into the compressor family tree
by talking about positive displacement compressors.

Positive Displacement
Compressors

Positive displacement compressors will develop

sufficient pressure to overcome any resistance to
flow and the operational limits are essentially
determined by the driver power and the strength of
the compressor parts.
From the family tree we can see that positive
displacement compressors fall into two types. They
are:

The operation of these valves is linked to :

the motion of the piston or diaphragm
the rise and fall of the pressure in the chamber

Reciprocating Compressors

Rotary Compressors

Rotary Compressors

Rotary compressors have a variety of uses in the oil

and gas industry.

Reciprocating Compressors

A positive displacement compressor works on the

principle of pushing a gas from a vessel by partially,
or completely displacing its internal volume.

Reciprocating compressors play a very important

role in the oil and gas industry and for this reason
Unit 2 of the compressor series is dedicated to
them specifically.

This is usually achieved by mechanical means or,

less frequently, by a second fluid.

Reciprocating compressors come in all shapes and

sizes and fall into two types:

Because the vessel is alternately emptied and

refilled the flow is intermittent. The intermittent
flow into and out of the compressor causes the
pressure to pulsate on both the inlet (suction) and
outlet (discharge) sides.

In the more complex types of compressor, the

chamber is equipped with valves on the inlet and
outlet to control the flow of the gas being compressed.

In this type, the displacement of the fluid is produced

by the rotation of one or more elements within a
stationary housing.
The most common types of rotary compressor found
in the oil and gas industry are the:
screw compressor

piston type

lobe compressor

diaphragm type

sliding vane compressor

The action of the fluid-transferring parts is the same

in each. A piston or diaphragm is made to pass, or
flex, back and forth in a chamber.

liquid ring compressor

These compressors will be explained further in Unit 4
of this series.

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Continuous Flow Compressors

From the compressor family tree we can also see
that the second group of compressors are the
Continuous Flow Compressors.
In these compressors the movement imparted to the
gas is continuous and constant. Continuous flow
compressors fall into two types, which are:
Dynamic Compressors
Fluidic Compressors

Dynamic Compressors
Dynamic compressors have a system of elements
(called impellers) which are arranged on a shaft.
The impellers rotate with the shaft and impart
energy to the gas by increasing its velocity.
The amount of energy which is imparted to the gas
by a dynamic compressor is mainly determined by :
the design of the impellers
the number of impellers used
the speed at which the impellers rotate

There may be as few as one impeller, or as many as

twenty or more impellers, on a shaft. The shaft may
be rotated at speeds which exceed 30 000 rpm.
When the gas leaves each impeller it is allowed to
slow down. As this happens, kinetic energy is
replaced by pressure energy. You will remember
this from Section 2 of this unit.
Dynamic compressors are classified according to
the manner in which the gas flows through the
compressor. Within this category are:

Fluidic Compressors
Fluidic compressors, including the Ejector and
Diffusion Pump types, will be covered in Unit 4.

Before moving on, have a go at the following Test

Yourself question.

Centrifugal Compressors - where, in each

stage, the gas flows radially outwards
Axial Flow Compressors - here, the gas flows
along the line of the shaft
Mixed Flow Compressors - a combination of
centrifugal and axial types
Centrifugal Flow compressors (commonly referred to
as centrifugal compressors) are dealt with
comprehensively in Unit 3 of the Compressor Series
Axial and Mixed Flow compressors will be covered
in Unit 4.

the density of the gas which is being

compressed

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Compressor Selection
As you have just seen, we can choose from a
variety of compressors in order to perform the task
of raising the pressure of a gas. The choice of
compressor for a particular application will often be
based on the two factors which we looked at in
Section 2 :

Test Yourself 1.7

Indicate whether the following compressors are positive displacement machines or
continuous flow machines.

1.

Double acting reciprocating

compressor

2.

Mixed flow compressor

3.

Axial compressor

4.

Screw type compressor

5.

Sliding vane compressor

6.

Centrifugal compressor

Positive displacement

Continuous flow

compression ratio
capacity
However, many other factors may influence this
choice. Some of these I have listed below:
nature of the gas - hot or corrosive gases
may restrict the choice because of the
requirement for special sealing or lubricating
systems, or special materials used in
construction
reliability - for continuous running applications
costs - not only the initial capital costs, but
service and maintenance costs may have to
be considered
power availability - the power available to
drive the compressor could influence the
choice of machine

You will find the answers in Check Yourself 1.7 on page 1.36
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Petroleum Open Learning

Of course, compression ratio and capacity are of

critical importance when choosing a machine.
Figure 12 shows typical pressure and capacity ranges
over which various types of compressor usually
operate. You should note that the Figure shows very
approximate ranges and some compressors may be
capable of operating outside the ranges indicated.

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Petroleum Open Learning

Now use Figure 12 to answer the following Test

Yourself question.

Test Yourself 1.8

Summary of Section 3
In section 3 we looked at the compressor family tree and at the different groups and types of compressor.
We then discussed the different compressors which may be found on an oil production facility. The different
characteristics which placed them within certain groups and types were examined. We then looked at each
type of compressor found within each group.

From Figure 12 decide what type of compressor

would be suitable for the following applications.

Finally, we considered, briefly, compressor selection.

1. Delivering 85 m3 / hour at 350 bar

You have now completed this Overview Unit in the Petroleum Gas Compression
Series. Unit 2 of the Series will examine Reciprocating Compressors in detail.

2. Delivering 15,000 m3 / hour at 70 bar

You will find the answers in

Check Yourself 1.8 on page 1.36

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Check Yourself - Answers

Petroleum Open Learning

Check Yourself 1.1

1.
FALSE




2.

TRUE

3.

TRUE

4.

FALSE

5.
FALSE

Separators are operated at various pressures depending upon

- reservoir pressure
- ratios of oil and gas produced
- pressure requirements on the platform
- number of stages of separation.

The pressure required depends on - reservoir depth - reservoir pressure - type of reservoir rock.
Compressed air is required on a platform for
-
-
-

instrument air
works air
inert gas generation

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Petroleum Open Learning

Check Yourself 1.2

Check Yourself 1.3

Using Boyles Law

P1V1 = P2V2

P1
V1
P2
V2

= 2+1
=
3 bara
=
300 litres
= 5+1
= 6 bara
=
?

2.

373 Kelvin

b)

P1
V1
V2
P2

= 20 + 1 = 21 bara
=
1800 litres
= 600 litres
=
?

rearrange the equation

rearrange the equation

V2
=

P1V1
P2

P2
=

P1V1
V2

V2
=

3 x 300
6

P2
=

21 x 1800
600

150 litres

= 63 bara

= 63 - 1

= 62 barg

313 Kelvin

3. 273 Kelvin

and remembering to work in absolute units.

a)

1.

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Petroleum Open Learning

Check Yourself 1.4

a)

Using Charless Law

b)

Using Charless Law

V1
T1
=

V1
T1
=

V2
T2

and remembering to use absolute temperature

values.
V1
T1
T2
V2

= 50 litres
=
16 + 273
=
38 + 273
=
?

rearrange the equation

V2
=

V1T2
T1

V2
=
50 x 311
289

= 53.8 litres

= 289
=
311

V2
T2

and remembering to use absolute temperature values.

V1
T1
V2
T2

=
800 litres
= 55 + 273
=
700 litres
=
?

328

rearrange the equation

T2
=

V2T1
V1

T2
=
700 x 328

800


= 287K

= 287 - 273

14oC

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Petroleum Open Learning

Check Yourself 1.5

1. Pressure and heat energy.
2. Potential energy.
3. Pressure and chemical energy.

Check Yourself 1.6

a)
Compression Ratio
=

delivery pressure
intake pressure

=
70 bara
20 bara

3.5

4. Kinetic energy
5. Pressure and heat energy.

b)
Delivery Pressure

intake pressure x compression ratio

= 40 x 3.5
=

140 bara

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Petroleum Open Learning

Check Yourself 1.7

Check Yourself 1.8

1. Positive displacement.

1. Reciprocating compressor.

2. Continuous flow.

2. Centrifugal compressor.

3. Continuous flow.
4. Positive displacement.
5. Positive displacement.
6. Continuous flow.

1.36