GMRC Research Projects

2011 Research Projects

High Speed Compressor Packaging Specification and Guideline - ACI Services
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, El Paso Pipelines, 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, with Phase 1 scheduled for completion in 2011, and Phase 2 by the end of 2012.

Solutions to Mechanical Vibration Issues - Beta Machinery Analysis
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.

FIELD SURVEY PROJECT - GMRC Research Program Takes a New Approach
The Project Supervisory Committee (PSC) under the leadership of Michael Smith, El Paso Corporation, has undertaken a new approach for the formulation of the GMRC’s annual research and development program. This year GMRC has elected to hire consultants to assist in the formulation of the 2013 research program. A consultant team, headed by Pete Harrell, a Southwest Research Institute retiree, will spend the next 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 are Randy Raymer, formerly of El Paso Corporation; and Jim Bowman, recently retired from Control Systems International (CSI). All three have long histories with the gas pipeline industry and the GMRC. Harrell managed the GMRC research portfolio at SwRI for many years and has been project manager or principle investigator for several past GMRC research projects.
The new approach using consultants 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, but all of the work to identify and vet potential projects will be completed by Harrell and his team. 

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 inbolt configurations and loading conditions typical of a reciprocating compressor environment and devlop recommendations for reducing the number of bolting failures.