Optimising Compressor Re-wheel Design for Mature Assets

The challenge of re-wheeling is to optimise the new design and get it right first time. MSE has carried out many re-designs and re-wheels of gas compressors which are in successful operation. With this experience, MSE has developed a range of software systems, design tools and proven methodologies for developing a redesign which is rigorously tested before its implementation.

The redesign is performed with the CENTRIF program, which identifies the new re-wheel configuration for optimum performance. This new design is tested for off-design performance to ensure it has the correct performance envelope to accommodate the new reservoir conditions.

To ensure that the new re-design will operate in the production facility we test the new compressor using the GASMAN model. GASMAN is the integrated model of the production system which includes the gas compression system, the processing facility, the gas turbine drive, the recycle system and the process control set points.

Re-design or Re-wheel?

The alternative to a complete compressor re-design and replacement of equipment is "re-wheeling"; a re-wheeling consists of changes to the compressor internals and can be implemented in a few days, without requiring extended shut down. Re-wheeling is a very expedient and cost effective option for production optimisation of mature assets. The re-wheeling does not require piping changes or removal of casings; it is limited to the removal of the compressor internals and their replacement with new optimised set of internals.

If the re-design of a production facility is like a major "surgical operation", then re-wheeling can be viewed as "Key-hole surgery" which can be performed quickly; the production facility regains the lost capacity and production gets restored.
Re-wheeling is a low cost, low risk and high reward operation. The original compressor internals are retained as a backup to further limit risks.






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MSE (Consultants) Ltd.
Thorncroft Manor, Thorncroft Drive,
Leatherhead , Surrey, KT22 8JB United Kingdom
+44 (0) 1372 700 760  info@mse.co.uk


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