Emerson Launches Copeland Scroll Modular Compression For Offshore Oil And Gas Applications

Austin, TX - – Emerson Process Management announced that its Copeland Scroll modular compression technology has been launched for offshore oil and gas applications. The compression technology's compact footprint, light weight, modular design and flexibility lend itself for the design and operating constraints of offshore platforms and FPSOs. This proven approach to gas compression is especially suited to help producers optimize and restore production from mature oil and gas fields.

For more than three years, Emerson has worked closely with industry producers and packagers to adapt Copeland Scroll technology into superior gas compression solutions. With more than 350 units currently installed and operating in North America, these compressors have logged more than two million hours of operation since the technology's introduction in 1993.

"Emerson's Copeland Scroll compressor technology has been incredibly successful in land-based applications with oil and gas producers. The unique hermetic compressor design is allowing producers to economically produce older wells where operating costs were previously unacceptable, or where discharge pressure has shut-in production. The step change in lower maintenance costs and small compressor footprint enables us to pursue offshore projects," said Mark McCormick, director for Emerson's Copeland Scroll oil and gas products. "We are excited to extend Emerson's scroll compressor technology leadership position and be first to market scroll technology for offshore applications."

With unprecedented once-per-year maintenance capability, estimated annual planned costs are approximately $500 in parts, requiring about one hour of labor per compressor. For a 30-horsepower application this translates into significant annual maintenance cost savings of about $1,500 to $4,000 (65-85 percent savings), when compared to similar sized screw and reciprocating compressor solutions. Because they do not contain shaft seals, the hermetically-welded scroll compressors do not require mechanical adjustment, periodic lubrication or traditional daily checks. Dramatically lower oil carryover ranges from 15 to 60 ounces per year, depending on the application. When combined with commercial air conditioning sound levels, the compressors can operate in environmentally sensitive and sound-restricted areas.

Emerson's Copeland Scroll compressors are currently being used in a growing number of oilfield applications, including coal bed methane, oil well casing gas (production optimization), conventional gas and vapor recovery. The compressors have proven to be well-suited for mature oil production, where high casing gas pressures can significantly reduce oil production rates. Variable speed compressor operation can automatically reduce and control casing pressures to a desired set-point, which optimizes and/or restores oil production rates.

Packaged compression flow rates are 20 to 600 mcfd. Suction pressure capability is vacuum to 25 psig suction, with single-stage discharge pressures to 190 psig. Discharge pressure capability to 325 psig is planned for release later in 2006. The compressor modules are approved for Class I, Division II locations. Each module is factory built and tested and includes the compressor and motor, oil cooler/fan, full oil charge, oil/gas separation and pressure/temperature shutdowns, as well as a variable speed drive.

SOURCE: Emerson Process Management