GMRC 2010 Research Projects

PULSATION CONTROL
Project Team : Michael Smith, Hoerbiger Engineering Systems; Everette Johnson, Cameron Compression Systems; Tim Canton, El Paso Pipeline Group; Martin Hinchliff, Dresser-Rand; Marlan Jarzombek, Atmos Energy Corp.
Contractor: Southwest Research Institute
Objectives:The primary objective of all GMRC Pulsation research work is to better address the efficiency, horsepower recovery and pulsation mitigation needs for the modern reciprocating compressor using new pulsation controls.

STATION NOISE CONTROL AT CENTRIFUGAL & RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR STATIONS
Project Team : Bill Betenson, Williams Northwest Pipeline; Chris Kapp, Siemens Energy; Tim Canton, El Paso Pipeline Group; Martin Hinchliff, Dresser-Rand; Marlan Jarzombek, Atmos Energy Corp.; Rainer Kurz, Solar Turbines, Inc.
Contractor: Southwest Research Institute
Objective: Detailed guidelines will be devleoped that can be used by operating companies to assure the safety of employees exposed to peak levels/background noise for long periods of time. Possible sources of ambient noise will be studied to help prevent station designs that unnecessariily intensify the sound level.

TESTING OF GAS TURBINE INLET AIR FILTERS FOR SALT ENTRAINED ENVIRONMENTS
Project Team : Angus Sites, ExxonMobil; Erik Lans, Camfil Farr; Mark Brandenhoff, Donaldson; Rainer Kurz, Solar Turbines, Inc.; Steve O'Toole, Chevron; Yuri Pedenko, Donaldson; Erik Lans, Camfil-Farr
Contractor: Southwest Research Institute
Objective: In the 2009 Inlet Filtration Guideline, the presence of salt is discussed. Part two of this project will include a proposed method for testing filters in order to quantify the efficiency of salt removal.

BOLTED JOINT TECHNOLOGY & USER PRACTICES REVIEW
(a joint project with PRCI)
Project Team : Mike Teter, Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline; Lil Kassie, BP; Travis Sixel, GE; Bill Couch, El Paso Western Pipelines; David Krenek, Caterpillar Inc.; Norm Shade, ACI Services; Brad Grieves, Panhandle Energy; David Soyster, Buckeye Pipeline; Ralph Dickau, Enbridge; Scott Baumgardner, Marathon Oil
Contractor: Southwest Research Institute
Objective: To develop a practical guideline for the installation of bolted joints which can be used to select components for the join, appropriate lubrications and materials, and proper installation.

DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR BRANCH CONNECTIONS IN HIGH VIBRATION ENVIRONMENTS
(a joint project with PRCI)
Project Team : Bill Couch, El Paso Western Pipelines; Martin Hinchliff, Dresser-Rand; Frank Northup, SEC Energy Products; Clint Kidd, Compressor Systems, Inc.; Rainer Kurz, Solar Turbines Inc.; Brian Howes, Beta Machinery Analysis; Brian Dedeke, Explorer Pipeline
Contractor: Southwest Research Institute
Objective: To develope a guideline that will discuss the major types of branch connections and provide an allowable mass for components and length of connection.

WASTE HEAT RECOVERY STUDY
(a joint project with PRCI)
Project Team : Bob Amsberry, Williams Gas Pipeline; Jim Bowman, Control Systems International; David Pell, Voith Turbo; Bill Betenson, Williams Northwest Pipeline; Bill Couch, El Paso Western Pipeline; Bill Elston, Wartsila
Contractor: Southwest Research Institute
Objective: To develop a report that will cover the base concepts and technical feasibility of waste heat recovery, electrical power requirements for sale of power back to the grid, brainstorming results for alternative waste heat recovery options, and the life-cycle costs analysis of these options.

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION FACTOR IMPROVEMENT
(a joint project with PRCI)
Project Team : David Krenek, Caterpillar Inc.; Bill Couch, El Paso Western Pipelines; Rainer Kurz, Solar Turbines Inc.; Michael Smith, Hoerbiger Engineering Services; Travis Sixel, GE; Everette Johnson, Cameron Compression Systems; Bill Elston, Wartsila; Charles Wait, Panhandle Energy
Contractor: Innovative Environmental Solutions
Objective: To improve GHG emissions estimation methods for key sources of fugitive and vented methane from transmission and storage facilities. Objectives will be reconciled with requirements in Subpart W after is re-proposed.