Ajax-based Booster Compression Stations for Associated Petroleum Gas

These compressors are widely used for compressing associated petroleum gas, natural gas in wellhead or gas gathering application, and for re-injection applications.

In most climatic conditions the Ajax compressor may be simply installed outdoors or under a shed.

A compressors station comprising several compressor units is generally arranged under a common shed to provide protection from atmospheric precipitation and direct sunlight (which is particularly important for scheduled maintenance). Moreover, crane rails for hand hoist (recommended load for routine maintenance is 2 tons) can be provided on the support pillars of the shed.

In Russia and the CIS where winter temperatures can fall below -40C, buildings are commonly used at the compressor stations to suit these harsh field conditions.

Equipment installed in outdoor areas or under sheds require heat tracing and insulation to avoid freeze-up of critical equipment. Lengthy startup and warm-up procedures (up to 45 minutes) prior to commencing normal duty may also be required. This type of installation does not always suit the application requirements. Compressors that must start quickly, such as back up compressors for critical services, are normally installed in buildings and are typically electric motor driven.

Booster Compression Station for Associated Petroleum Gas in the Extreme Northern Regions of Russia

Project Overview

The proposed compressor station is intended for compressing associated petroleum gas. Equipment will operate in continuous or intermittent duty mode depending on the general oilfield process conditions.

The proposed facility is located in the Extreme Northern Region of Russia. Operation of the equipment will result in considerable heat rejection (300 kW). The areas around compressor station may by affected by severe gas contamination considering the proposed location within the oilfield process complex, which may require a special air intake for ventilation system.

Compressor station will be based on the use of four Ajax integral engine-compressors (Models 2803 - 2 nos., 2804 – 1 no., 2802 – 1 no.) using the transported gas as the fuel.

Compressor equipment is housed in a common BCS building measuring 12 m x 27 m. Air coolers are located in an outdoor area adjacent to the building. The building is a knockdown, sandwich-panel construction with a single room space which is classified to explosion/fire hazard category A, accordingly all electrical equipment in the building will be of explosion-proof design. Architectural design of the building includes the use of glazing panels as relief structures (in accordance with SNiP and PB requirements). Ventilation and heating equipment and controllers of utility systems are housed in a separate annex (category D) which is attached to the building.

Compressor station building will be equipped with the following utilities:

• Ventilation and heating
• Electric lighting and power supply (for process equipment)
• Fire detection, fire extinguishing and gas alarm.

Compressor units are erected on individual foundations which are insulated from the common floor and foundations of the structural columns. Continuous presence of operating personnel in the building is not required, as all equipment operates in a fully automatic mode.

“We have developed a carefully calculated heat balancing system to operate in each compressor building: in winter, heat emitted from compressor equipment is used to heat the building, while in summer these heat emisions are removed by ventilation.”

Compressor control systems are designed to translate process parameters to the upper control level; provisions are made for remote emergency shutdown of the equipment, moreover automatic shutdown will be initiated by alarm signal from fire and gas detection systems. Service platforms and a hand-operated hoist of 2 ton capacity are provided in BCS building routine maintenance and repair.