OFFSHORE ACID GAS COMPRESSION 1

[compo]

I am working on an offshore project that has a design issue with regard to waste gas handling, the waste gas having high levels of H2S, the proposal is to compress the gas to export pressure using reciprocating compressors (4 stages). There are a number of concerns particularly with regard to using reciprocating compressors offshore, vibration etc. and h2s leaks.

I would appreciate feedback of simialr experience where acid gas (H2S) compression has been done offshore, in particular using reciprocating compressors/ vendors/ facility references/ specific design issues/ etc.

 

[ccw]

Hi RobK1,
Depending on sources, natural gas can contain up to 28% sour gas. What is your expected concentration? If it is 28% or less, I would expect a good data base on natural gas compressors, valves, storage vessels, etc. would be appropriate. The main problem appears to be steel corrosion from high concentrations. There is a good Corrosion engineering group on Eng-Tips that may be able to advise you further for material compatability.

 

[jsummerfield]

We are using Elliott centrifugal compressors (driven by Solar turbines) to send the acid gas to other platforms and onshore. The ANSI 300 carbon-steel piping system mostly uses weld-end valves instead of flanges. We are using sour-gas to dilute the acid gas before the launchers. All sour-gas services piping is helium leak detected. We deluge upon detection of H2S with the ambient monitors.

John

 

[compo]

Thanks for that John, any chance you could provide the project reference details.

regards

 

[jsummerfield]

If you post an email address I can send you enough details that Solar or Elliot would recognize the project. This is a large Pemex project in the Gulf of Mexico.


John

 

[compo]

Thanks John

robert.kingsley@worley.com.au