Centrifugal compressors handle high pressures
Applications for high-pressure centrifugal compressors include reinjection of gas associated with oil production or residue gas from NGL recovery into the producing formation. This application serves several purposes. It maintains oil-field pressure to obtain higher production rates and maintains gas-field pressures to maximize liquids recovery. Gas reinjection also conserves gas resources by eliminating flaring until the gas can be produced. Gas lift, often associated with reinjection, is another application. In this application, a portion of the gas is introduced to the oil stream through perforations in the casing. This reduces the specific gravity of the gas/oil mixture, thereby reducing the oil column head and increasing production rates. Still another application for high-pressure centrifugal compressors is compression of separator gas which, historically, was burned in flares. Development of strong markets for natural gas has added incentive for equipment to recompress and reinject the gas until it can be produced. This incentive should become stronger as gas prices approach their true value relative to other fuels. In the past, reinjection was added after a field was brought into production. Emphasis on conservation now makes reinjection an initial component of new production facilities.
- OSTI ID:
- 6016783
- Journal Information:
- Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 77:3; ISSN OIGJA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
New concepts in energy recovery: using improved centrifugal compressor technology
Secrets of a centrifugal compressor