SCFM Compression Systems, Inc.

SCFM DELIVERS RESULTS

OUTCOME:
•  Increased flow rate by 250%+
•  Reduced HP
•  Reduced maintenance cost by 15%

The Customer Situation:
Customer compression station not performing as needed
•   The station was used for gas transmission though a pipeline•   The station consisted of 4 - 1085 hp engines driving two throw reciprocating compressors with engine drive coolers.

• Customer initially wanted a new station and mothball the original

Challenges:
•    Station had high vibration and pulsation problems
•    Over horsepower at high suction high discharge pressures
•    Cooler outlet temperatures too high
•    Design point had changed from 220 suction/700 discharge to 400 suction/625 discharge. (Range of pressure is now 170-490 suction to 500-684 discharge)
•    Needed minimal downtime to the station

The SCFM Solution:
Upgrade of existing station was the better option to meet customer’s project objectives
• Standard reciprocating compressor cylinders were replaced with pipeline cylinders. (Rationale: to reduce hp, reduce cooler outlet temperature and increase flow rate.)
• Scrubbers, bottles, cooler section and piping
    ° Prefabricated to minimize station downtime and lower costs
    ° Redesigned to increase throughput, lower vibrations, pulsations and pressure drop
• New bottles made for the first unit. Old bottles modified for the next unit to be revamped. (Rationale: saved time and money.)
•  Used local labor for final welds and site installation. Labor familiar with the station and the customer. (Rationale: reduce delivery time.)

The Results:
• Flow rate increased from 15 MMSCFD to 40 MMSCFD
• HP was lowered within the capabilities of the current engine limit
• Upgrade to all four compression units was completed in 3 months (minimal station down time)
• Project cost was reduced
• Production and efficiency was increased