In this case study, Detechtion Technologies provided the client with recommended VVCP pocket settings in order to optimize the client’s compressor packages by minimizing recycled gas, proving how single unit optimization paired with decreased utilization can yield field savings.
Optimize the client’s compressors by opening pockets to minimize recycle, and thus reduce fuel gas consumption.
The client desired to optimize three compressor packages from one of its gas plants to minimize the amount of gas being recycled and more importantly reduce the amount of fuel gas being consumed by each of the units.
Detechtion provided a study to the client, proposing the ability to slightly open pockets, adding clearance to each stage, which would achieve the client’s desired objectives while also maintaining the operating parameters.
Using Detechtion Technologies’ Envision package, a software package that simulates accurate and ideal compressor performance, Detechtion engineers developed ideal pocket adjustments to minimize recycled gas while maintaining operating pressures which would not trip the unit on current pressure trip settings.
Detechtion Technologies provided the client with recommended VVCP pocket settings in order to optimize the client’s compressor packages by minimizing recycled gas. More importantly, the adjustments were designed to work well within compressor’s current set points in order to avoid any operating trips.
The client implemented the suggested pocket adjustment change and immediately recognized a reduction in fuel costs for each unit per day. The table below represents a comparison between the before and after performances of adjusting the pockets for each unit. It summarizes the decrease in power consumption and fuel gas burned because of the pocket adjustment.
Detechtion provides the client with the ability to generate daily automated reports in order to trend the performance of its compressors. Along with this, clients can view a range of performance reports fleet wide using Detechtion’s Fleet Management Tool.
The client found that the trends showed a drop from 36.3 E3m3/d of fuel gas burned across the plant down to 33.6 E3m3/d. This resulted in the client saving $11,400 per month in fuel gas burned.