Page 10 - Compression Machinery for Oil and Gas

xx Preface

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the compression machinery
that is utilized in the oil and gas industry. In the first section of this book the
thermodynamic foundation of gas compression is explained (Chapter 1) and
an overview over the different types of typical used oil and gas compression
equipment is provided (Chapter 2).
The second section of this book provides a deeper look into this compression
equipment including a discussion on the performance and aerodynamics of cen-
trifugal compressors in Chapter 3, the performance of integrally geared com-
pressors in Chapter 4, the performance of reciprocating compressors in
Chapter 5, and screw compressors in Chapter 6. The section is concluded by
a description of the different drivers for these compressors such as gas turbines,
steam turbines, expanders, electric motors, and gas engines (Chapter 7).
The book’s third section highlights relevant application topics. Here, we dis-
cuss in Chapter 8 how compressors are applied in the upstream section, where
compressors are used for gas gathering, gas lift, gas reinjection, and for com-
pression in gas plants. Then, in Chapter 9, the typical midstream applications,
such as pipeline compression, and gas storage are explained. In the downstream
business (Chapter 10), compression needs in LNG facilities, refineries, and for
fuel gas compression are covered. Important system design and analysis issues
are discussed in Chapter 11, and the section is completed with a discussion of
testing methods and requirements in Chapter 12, and relevant codes and stan-
dards in Chapter 13.
The final section (Section 4) gives an outlook to future challenges and tech-
nology developments in oil and gas compression. The important topic of wet
gas compression is covered in detail in Chapter 14 and a description of new
machinery concepts, such as subsea and downhole compression, or hermetically
sealed compressors can be found in Chapter 15. Some leading edge concepts
such as the use of linear motors, supersonic compression, and isothermal com-
pression in Chapter 16 round out the topics in this book.
The topics covered in this book were selected to provide engineers and prac-
titioners interested in the oil and gas industry and the relevant compression
machinery utilized with a comprehensive technology and applications over-
view. Each chapter provides sufficient background material to stand alone,
and can be used on its own, although we attempted to avoid duplication through-
out this book.
We, the editors, are indebted to the chapter authors. They are all subject mat-
ter experts in their fields, who were selected from the engineering and scientific
community based on their relevant contributions to the field. They represent a
broad range of expertise, and come from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Klaus Brun
Rainer Kurz
Contributing authors (*Indicates chapter lead):
Timothy C. Allison (Chapters 1, 8*, 15)