Compressor unit and its application and development in inland nature gas pipelines

Classification and type selection for compressors and drivers used in nature gas pipelines are summarized. Advantages, disadvantages and application scopes of centrifugal/reciprocating compressor driven by gas turbine or generator in pipelines are compared. Technology status and market situation worldwide of compressors and drivers in nature gas pipelines nowadays are introduced. It is pointed out that countries like America and Europe are still the main professional manufacturers of centrifugal compressor in long-distance nature gas pipelines. Development history and application status of compressor unit in nature gas pipelines are reviewed and analyzed. The localization scheme of compressors in gas pipelines is proposed. The major problems and development trend in manufacture, operation and maintenance for compressor are discussed, such as local rehabilitation of gas turbine, waste heat utilization in multi-units station, optimization of compressor unit operating and so on. In the future, all of the issues mentioned above are instructive for selecting and operating compressor unit in pipeline construction and operation.