GMRC 2009 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) investivate new concepts andmethods 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.