The Design, Selection, and Application of Reciprocating Compressors for Fuel Gas Service

This paper describes the design and application of reciprocating compressors for fuel gas service. In fuel gas services and particularly power generation it is important to minimize all parasitic losses. Efficiency over a range of operating conditions requires sophisticated control systems and the paper describes the merits of each system and their effect on operating cost. Some of the important operational considerations are described together with major design features. The use of staging and the advantages of a modular approach to compressor design are also covered, which demonstrates the suitability of the reciprocating compressor for fuel gas service particularly when variation of inlet conditions cannot be avoided.