GE announces super compact compressor

GE has announced its smallest, lightest compressor. The high pressure ratio compressor (HPRC) requires fewer units per train, significantly reducing overall footprint. These combined innovations mean reduced shipping weight, easier installation, minimised footprint, lower power consumption, increased reliability and reduced operating costs.

High pressure ratio compression is a new technology which leverages GE Aviation aerodynamic experience, applied to GE’s BCL compressors line. GE is also planning to apply it to MCL and ICL compressors.

Applicable to many gas processes, it is well suited to both low and medium molecular weight mixtures. The most significant benefits can be realised for natural gas, both on and offshore.

Luca Maria Rossi, General Manager Product Management, Turbomachinery Solutions, GE Oil & Gas, commented: “The high pressure ratio compressor will have a major impact on our customers. Five years in the making it will help our customers across a number of important metrics: delivering a train footprint which is up to 50% smaller, 30% lighter and with 5% less installed power compared to traditional compression trains”.

HPRC’s technology is based on an innovative architecture which combines  shrouded and unshrouded impellers on a single, high speed shaft, achieving higher efficiency than any other available technology thanks to full 3D aerodynamic profiles delivered by aircraft engine. Applications which would have required multiple compressor bodies will now require only one with GE’s HPRC, as the compressors have an increased head per stage, with a shorter bearing span, which reduces the number of compressor casings required. Individual HPRC units are already smaller and lighter than traditional compressors, and the elimination of units per train is another key improvement in overall plant footprint, reliability, availability and weight.

Adapted from a press release by Emma McAleavey.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/product-news/02022015/ge-compressor-012/