GMRC Research Projects

GMRC AND ACI SERVICES INC. COMPLETE LICENSE AGREEMENT

ACI to Introduce Tunable Side Branch Absorber to Market

The Southern Gas Association Gas Machinery Research Council (GMRC) and ACI Services Inc. (ACI) have completed a license agreement that authorizes ACI to develop and market products that incorporate GMRC’s patented tunable side branch absorber (TSBA) technology.

The tunable side branch absorber incorporates an automatically controlled variable volume at the end of a fixed choke tube connected to a gas pipeline. It provides active (i.e., variable frequency) cancelation of fundamental acoustic pulsations in piping connected to variable speed compressor systems.

The TSBA concept is one of several new pulsation control technologies resulting from GMRC sponsored research. ACI has adapted its own patent pending pneumatically actuated variable volume clearance pocket technology for use with the TSBA. TSBA products will be available for field application in the spring of 2013.

2013 Projects

High Speed Compressor Packaging Specification and Guideline - ACI Services Phase 2
ACI Services Inc. has been selected by the GMRC Project Supervisory Committee to develop a High Speed Compressor Packaging Specification and Guideline, principally for large units greater than 2000 HP. The end result will be of significant benefit to the industry, helping ensure that high-speed compressor packages are properly proposed, designed, fabricated, installed and applied with successful results that meet end user, OEM and packager expectations.

Norm Shade, President, ACI Services, is serving as the project leader for the program, assisted by other ACI staff and an extended network of associates and industry professionals. Other companies involved, either through co-funding and/or in-kind donation of service/expertise include Beta Machinery Analysis, Caterpillar, Ariel, Williams Gas Pipeline, GE Oil and Gas, Enerflex, Cameron, and Dresser-Rand. The Project Guidance team consists of 20 members experienced and knowledgeable about high-speed compressors, drivers, packages, associated systems and/or end use requirements.

The Project will be implemented in two phases. Phase 1 was completed in 2011, and Phase 2 is on target for completion by the end of 2012.

Solutions to Mechanical Vibration Issues - Beta Machinery Analysis Phase 2
Beta Machinery Analysis has been selected by the GMRC Project Supervisory Committee as the project lead for Solutions to Mechanical Vibration Issues. Brian Howes, Chief Engineer, Beta Machinery is leading a team of industry experts in this endeavor. High vibration is a major cause of downtime and reliability problems for reciprocating compressor packages. Many sources highlight the impact that vibration problems have on small bore piping failures, vessels, nozzles, and other components. These problems can be costly, require excessive maintenance, increase project timelines, or limit the compressor’s operating flexibility.

The project initially focuses on four areas of the compressor package that experience vibration issues - discharge bottle wedge supports, suction bottle resonance, vertical scrubber resonance, and compressor mounting using adjustable chocks. The Beta/GMRC project is intended to find solutions for these problems, which could be products to help reduce the risk of vibration problems, recommended fabrication methods, or suggested analysis techniques.
The results of the project will be valuable for compressor packagers. More effective solutions can reduce the risk and cost of vibration problems. It will also be very beneficial to end users and others involved in maintenance and compressor reliability.

In addition to Beta, the following companies are contributing to the project either through co-funding, expertise, or both: Dresser-Rand, Ariel Corporation, Cameron Compression, El Paso Pipelines and Exterran.

Assisting Harrell in the effort are Randy Raymer, formerly of El Paso Corporation; and Jim Bowman, recently retired from Control Systems International (CSI). at SwRI for many years and has been project manager or principle investigator for several past GMRC research projects.
The new approach to identify potential research projects makes sense in light of the high level of activity in the industry. The PSC will make the final determination of projects to be funded for 2013.

ONGOING PROJECTS

PAN (Performance Attenuation Networks)
Green House Gas (GHG) - joint with PRCI

2013 PROPOSED PROJECTS

Predicting the Horsepower Cost of Reciprocating Compressor Manifolds (ACI, Ariel)
Interpretation of Acceptable Vibration Limits for High-Speed Reciprocating Compressor Packages (ACI)
Compressor Station Pipeline Noise (Dresser-Rand [Hinchcliff], Atmos Energy [Jarzombek])
Gas Inertial Forces (Dresser-Rand [Hinchcliff], Solar [Kurz])

Project Proposal Short Form - click here Use this form to submit a research proposal for consideration by the GMRC Project Supervisory Committee (PSC). The form should be emailed to pdowney@gmrc.org or fax 972-620-1613

2011 PROJECTS

NOMENCLATURE FOR GHG EMISSIONS: (joint project with PRCI)

GAS TURBINE FILTER EFFICIENCY: LIQUID AND SOLUBLE PARTICLES

COMPRESSOR STATION PIPING NOISE: NOISE MECHANISMS AND PREDICTION METHODS DESIGN GUIDELINE FOR SMALL DIAMETER BRANCH CONNECTIONS
RELEASE 1.0 March 2011

SMALL SCALE WASTE HEAT RECOVERY STUDY joint project with PRCI.

GMRC-PRCI Branch Connection Guideline 3-31-11

GUIDELINE FOR ASSEMBLY AND MAINTENANCE OF BOLTED JOINTS IN HIGH VIBRATION ENVIRONMENTS (this project has been removed pending further review)

2010 Research Projects

Pulsation Control Technology
Project Team : Michael Smith, Hoerbiger Engineering Services; Martin Hinchliff, Dresser Rand; Everette Johnson, Cameron Compression Systems; Marlan Jarzombek, Atmos Energy Corp.; Brian Howes, Beta Machinery Analysis; Kinder Morgan
Principal Investigator: Mary Beth Nored & Buddy Broerman, SwRI
Co-Funders: Dresser-Rand, Cameron Compression, Siemens
Objective: To (1) advance selected pulsation control concepts to the final level of commercialization or a high level of technology readiness, (2) utilize existing pulsation control technologies in field site applications requiring specific solutions, and (3) investigate new concepts and methods of reducing dynamic pressure loss through laboratory testing. These tasks will primarily focus on advancing technologies in three key areas: (1) cylinder nozzles, (2) filter bottles, and (3) station piping.

Compressor Valve Technology
Project Team : Meron Wollie, BP; Matthias Huschenbett, Hoerbiger Corp.; Kevin Durham, Cook Compression
Principal Investigators: Tim Allison & Vishi Iyengar, SwRI
Co-Funders: Hoerbiger Corporation, Cook Compression
Objective: To (1) continue improving valve dynamic models with oil stiction and exploring anti-stiction technologies, (2) improve the understanding of valve spring failures and investigate alternative spring designs, and (3) investigate the use of elastomeric materials in valve sealing elements.

Reciprocating Compressor Field Performance Test Guideline Validation Testing
Project Team : David Krenek, Caterpillar Inc.; Warren Laible, Windrock; Bill Elston, Wartsila; Randy Raymer, El Paso Corp.; Rainer Kurz, Solar Turbines; Everette Johnson, Cameron Compression Systems; Greg Lortie, Ariel Corp.; Martin Hinchliff, Dresser Rand; Bob Webber, Dynalco; Lloyd Roberts, Compressor Systems, Inc.
Principal Investigator: Melissa Wilcox & Augusto Garcia, SwRI
Co-Funders: Caterpillar, Compressor Systems, ACI Services, Ariel Corp., Dresser Rand, El Paso, Cameron Compression Systems
Objective: To (1) update, expand, and advance the guidelines for reciprocating compressor field performance testing in order to address new compressor technologies and applications, (2) expand the scope of testing to take advantage of modern instrumentation and testing methods, and (3) generally provide accurate and practical guidelines for field performance testing of reciprocating compressors within the gas industry.

Ambient Noise Control Guideline
Project Team: Martin Hinchliff, Dresser Rand; Marlan Jarzombek, Atmos Energy Corp.; Bill Betenson, Williams Northwest Pipeline; Angus Sites, ExxonMobil; Michael Smith, Hoerbiger Engineering Systems; Steve O'Toole, Chevron
Principal Investigator: Vishi Iyengar, SwRI
Co-Funders: Williams Northwest Pipeline, Dresser Rand, Atmos Energy Corp, Direct Drive Systems, ExxonMobil
Objective: To identify and measure the sources of noise in centrifugal and reciprocating compressor piping systems; (2) develop a practical means to predict noise in compression systems and recommend control methods, and (3) prepare a comprehensive station design guideline for ambient noise control.

Gas Turbine Inlet Air Filtration Best Practices Guideline
Project Team: Rainer Kurz, Solar Turbines; Jan-Peter Nillson, Camfil-Farr; Meron Wollie, BP; Angus Sites, ExxonMobil; Steve O'Toole, Chevron; Mark Daniel, Peerless; Bill Betenson, Williams Northwest Pipeline
Principal Investigator: Augusto Garcia, SwRI.
Co-Funders: Chevron, BP, Peerless, ExxonMobil, Williams Northwest Pipeline, Camfil-Farr
Objective: To supply a best practices document that discusses inlet air filter selection for different types of turbines and their ambient air conditions. The filter selection should be based. on the ambient conditions governing the possible air contaminants. The filter maintenance and effectiveness over time will also be included in the best practices. Methods of monitoring the filter effectiveness will be provided. The best practices document will also discuss the wide range of available devices for inlet air filtration and comment on their advantages/disadvantages.

Bolting Research
Project Team: Lil Kassie, BP; Bill Couch, El Paso Corp.; Brian Howes, Beta Machinery Analysis
Principal Investigator: Buddy Broerman & Tim Allison , SwRI.
Co-Funder: BP
Objective: To improve the understanding of bolt failure modes in bolt configurations and loading conditions typical of a reciprocating compressor environment and devlop recommendations for reducing the number of bolting failures.

REPORTS

Guideline for Gas Turbine Air Filtration Systems
This guideline summarizes the current technology and considerations for gas turbine inlet filtration systems. This document provides detailed information related to the consequences of poor inlet filtration, characteristics of air filters which are commercially available, review of different environments where a gas turbine can be installed, how to compare filtration system options based on life cycle cost analysis, which operation and maintenance practices should be performed and how filters are tested and classified.

Guideline for Field Testing Reciprocating Compressor Performance
Originally published as PCRC Report 84-10, this guideline has been updated and is a suggested best practice for field testing of reciprocating compressors. It applies to a typical reciprocating compressor or compressor package.

Application Guideline for Electric Motor Drive Equipment for Natural Gas Compression
This guideline addresses the need for practical guidance on electric motor drives for gas compressors. The guideline is directed to issues which are not addressed in detail by the existing IEEE electric motor standards or API compressor standards. The guideline is intended to educate the users of gas compression equipment who need to know how to specify the electric motor drive system and assure that the system design can support the power and speed range for the application.

Systems Mounting Guidelines for Separable Reciprocating Compressors in Pipeline Service
GMRC's objective was to develop a consensus best-practice guideline for the installation of pipeline reciprocating equipment. The intent is to ensure installations that are free from damaging vibrations, operate reliably with acceptable alignment over the long term and present the owner with affordable life cycle costs. The need for these guidelines was driven by a number of problem installations. The GMRC recognized that it was desirable for all segments of the industry to learn from such problems and to minimize or avoid them in the future.

Application Guideline for Centrifugal Compressor Surge Control Systems
This guideline provides a common reference on the required functionality of the surge control system components in different operations. This type of reference is needed because a better understanding of the surge control system design would benefit the user, system designer and compressor manufacturer alike. The guideline also provides the reader with methods of evaluating surge control system performance against recommended design criteria.

Guideline for Field Testing of Gas Turbine and Centrifugal Compressor Performance
This guideline is a suggested best practice for field testing of gas turbines and centrifugal compressors using basic rules for proper test procedures and standards.

FIELD SURVEY PROJECT In 2012 the Project Supervisory Committee (PSC) undertook a new approach for the formulation of the GMRC’s annual research and development program. GMRC engaged consultants to assist in the formulation of the 2013 research program. A consultant team, headed by Pete Harrell, a Southwest Research Institute retiree, spent several months in an intensive effort to identify research needs throughout the industry with a special emphasis on problems and ideas originating in the field. Assisting Harrell in the effort were Randy Raymer, formerly of El Paso Corp; and Jim Bowman, Control Systems International (retired)..