Opportunity 16: Compression operation optimisation

Optimised operation of compressors should be considered since this is one of the most energy intensive equipment on oil and gas installations. Compressors are used for different purposes including processing of oil and gas, gas re-injection and export. An optimised operation will have the potential for reducing the energy consumption. As an example, operation optimisation of compressors by changing pressure and temperature can be done by:

Changing temperature:

  • Verify/ensure optimal cooling between the compressor stages
  • Lower the inlet temperature in the injection compressors
  • Reduce the outlet temperature of export compressors

Changing pressure:

  • Increase the pressure in the 3rd stage separator: this will increase the suction pressure at 1st stage compressor, and will reduce the compression work .
  • For gas lift: consider using different pressures for start-up or operation (e.g. high pressure from 4th stage during start-up and low pressure from 1st stage during operation)

Other optimisation:

  • Reduce idling speed on injection compressors

Company that assessed/implemented this improvement opportunity: Aker BP, Statoil
System group: System general
Type: Operations optimisation Investment: < 0,1 MNOK
Profitability: Variable Implementation: Implemented