Variable-frequency drives yield savings for gas processor

Journal Article · Mon Oct 17 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · Oil and Gas Journal; (United States)

OSTI ID:7132807

Parker, D T ^[1]; Carver, D G ^[2]

---

1. GPM Gas Services Co., Oklahoma City, OK (United States)
2. GPM Gas Services Co., Houston, TX (United States)

GPM Gas Corp., Houston, has found variable frequency drivers (VFDs) effective in reducing electrical costs by as much as 70--80% on drive motors in varied applications. A VFD reduces electrical costs by matching motor output to actual needs of the process. A motor on a fin/fan cooler, for example, operates constantly, whether the ambient air temperature is 90 F. or 60 F. A VFD on a fan motor will match the motor speed needed to produce the required cooling temperature and will slow the motor when the ambient air temperature decreases. The VFD requires a variable to control, such as temperature, level, or pressure. Materials needed are the VFD, wire, and conduit. Company electricians and instrument technicians can install the devices. GPM Gas has installed VFDs on 25 and 1,000 hp motors at its plants including the company's automated, remotely controlled Zia gas-processing plant in southeastern New Mexico. The paper discusses what a VFD is, its application to fans, pumps, and compressors, justification and installation of a VFD, the benefits at GPM's plant, and avoiding problems.

• OSTI ID: 7132807
• Journal Information: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States), Journal Name: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States) Vol. 92:42; ISSN OIGJAV; ISSN 0030-1388
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
030400* -- Natural Gas-- Products & By-Products
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320303 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes-- Equipment & Processes
BLOWERS
COMPRESSORS
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ECONOMICS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRIC MOTORS
ELECTRIC POWER
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ENGINES
FREQUENCY DEPENDENCE
GAS COMPRESSORS
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
MOTORS
NATURAL GAS PROCESSING PLANTS
POWER
PUMPS