Page 425 - Compression Machinery for Oil and Gas

404 SECTION III Applications

FIG. 10.2 Horizontally split LNG centrifugal compressor.

FIG. 10.3 Large 1750-mm (5. 7ft) diameter 3D centrifugal impeller.

Compressor Technology Milestones
The LNG compressors can be extremely large, with centrifugal impeller diam-
eters in the range of 1300–2000mm. A large 1750mm diameter impeller is
shown in Fig. 10.3. Internal compressor casing diameters can be up to
4000mm for horizontally split compressors and 2600mm for barrel designs.
3
Inlet flows for centrifugal compressors can reach 300,000m /h. Shaft length
can be 7400mm with a weight of 7.5 tons and bearing spans can be of the order
of 5.5m which require a shaft of suitable diameter at the bearings and end seals.