Page 413 - Compression Machinery for Oil and Gas

392 SECTION III Applications

until it is ready for transportation to the market. The underground storage vol-
umes are either depleted oil and gas reservoirs, aquifers, or salt caverns.
Transmission pipelines are closely regulated by the US DOT Pipeline and
Hazardous Materials, Safety Administration (PHMSA), National Association
of Pipeline Safety Representatives, (NAPSR), and the US National Transporta-
tion Safety Board.

Compressor Station Facilities
Basic Components of a Compressor Station
A typical compressor station includes many different components beyond just
the compressor itself. Some of the many key systems are as follows:
l compressors and drivers
l filter separators or scrubbers
l gas coolers
l piping, valves, flanges, valves, supports, foundations, etc.
l recycle/bypass/anti-surge systems
l auxiliary systems (air, lube oil, coolant, etc.)
l noise control
l air filtration and emissions equipment
l blowdown and overpressure protection systems
l fuel gas systems
l control systems (automated or manual controls)
l communications systems
l necessary buildings for equipment and personnel
l cathodic protection system
l gas processing equipment (sweeting and treating)
l gas storage
l flow metering
l pressure regulation and custody transfer equipment
l utilities (electrical, backup generators, ups, water)
l station lighting
l safety and security systems
l fire protection

The basic layout of the compressor system is usually shown on a process flow
diagram (PFD) or a piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID), and eventually
on station drawings or CAD models.

Station Piping Design
The design of a compressor station will be subject to numerous industry codes
and standards. Most compressor systems will be covered by the API 617 and
618 Standards for centrifugal and reciprocating compressors, respectively.
These standards cover only the machinery, but not the piping system. In the
United States, the design of Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems