Gas Storage Plant
When natural gas reaches its market, it may be stored for future use – to meet normal demand variations (base-load storage) or as a strategic reserve against unforeseen supply disruptions/shortages (peak-load storage). Compression requirements will vary depending on the purpose and type of storage facilities in use.
With extensive experience covering both centrifugal and reciprocating technologies, GE Oil & Gas provides a broad range of solutions for gas storage applications.
How it works
Gas is usually stored in underground facilities such as depleted oil and gas fields, aquifers or salt caverns located close to the point of end usage. Base-load facilities are used to meet seasonal demand variations, and peak-load facilities are used in case of unforeseen demand spikes.
Large base-load storage facilities provide prolonged, steady supply of gas. They are commonly depleted gas reservoirs, and have long-term injection/withdrawal seasons and a turnover interval of about once per year.
Peak-load facilities provide quick response to sudden, short-term demand increases. They are smaller and can be replenished in a shorter time than base-load facilities, with turnover intervals of days or weeks.
Compression machinery requirements will be determined by operating conditions. High equipment flexibility is required, due to the highly variable suction/discharge pressures and gas flow rates encountered.
Features & Benefits
Compressor design excellence draws on GE's key industry milestones such as first high-pressure ammonia/urea units and most powerful offshore units
Wide range of designs and materials to cover high pressures, temperatures, hydrogen mixtures and hazardous gases
Open and closed impellers available with geometries and flow coefficients fully tested for specific application requirements
Both labyrinth and dray-gas seals available, designed to eliminate or minimize gas leakage
Many recent designs include active magnetic bearings for greater mechanical efficiencies
Crankshaft and impellers available as single-piece steel forgings for optimized balance and efficiency
Cylinders and valves designed for the highest reliability and long parts life
