COMPRESSOR CONTROLS CORPORATION

International Headquarters | 4725 121 St. | Des Moines, IA 50323 USA | Tel: +1.515.270.0857 | Fax: +1.515.270.1331 | www.cccglobal.com

SITUATION A major Brazilian energy company faced a challenging dilemma on a large oshore platform o of the coast of Brazil. The two three-stage compressors were developed for one to run continuously and the other to be used as back-up. Excess natural gas was funneled from the wells to onshore gas processing plants through underwater pipelines. As the wells became more productive, natural gas production also increased and added additional pressure in the pipeline, as well as creating a decrease in the molecular weight of the gas. Combined, these issues reduced the ow rate through the compressor, at a time when an increase in capacity was required.

SOLUTION For eciency, both compressors should operate simultaneously, in parallel, to improve gas export capacity and avoid gas loss through ares, consequently maximizing transportation of gas through the pipelines. However, getting both compressors to work in parallel, without compromising the process stability, also presented challenges. The client questioned if a functional parallel conguration would be possible. CCC conducted eld surveys to verify the basis of a new control-system and to establish the scope of the supply. As a result, the new antisurge, performance, and load-sharing control system was supplied in less than three months, and the installation of the system was supervised and supported by CCC.

RESULT CCC customized a solution for the client's entire turbomachinery train. By conguring the compressors in parallel, the system produced the required pressure ration while maintaining the additional ow rate produced by the wells, maximizing export onshore. This use of an integrated control system, dedicated controllers and load-sharing algorithms, allowed the two compressors to work in sync, separating gas and oil without compromising the anti-surge protection of the machines. This enhanced operational exibility, a reduction of platform are occurrences, increased production and transport levels.

Customized and fully integrated control solution oers signicant operational exibility and increases production.