New GE compressor features high-speed electric motor
As many of you who attended our 2006 Annual Meeting are aware, GE’s Oil & Gas business has developed a prototype centrifugal compressor which is directly driven by a high-speed electric motor, both of which incorporate proven technologies.
A complete validation test program is currently under way at our facility in Le Creusot, France. The first stage – which covers the compressor’s mechanical behaviour including landing on auxiliary bearings – has been successfully completed. Remaining tests of the complete system are nearly complete.
Upon completion of testing, a line of integrated multistage compressors will be available with in-line or back-to-back arrangements for powers up to 15MW. These will be dedicated mainly but not exclusively to transport and storage applications. This product range will use high-speed induction motors from Converteam and Active Magnetic Bearings for the complete train – providing very compact, low-noise and emissionless solutions.
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Key product features
- No atmospheric leakage during operation
- Compressor with magnetic bearings in gas
- Cartridge for all compressor internal parts
- No cable connections inside the compressor
- Coupling mounting through access cover
- Motor flanged on compressor
- No lube oil system
- No external motor cooling system
- No seal gas system
- Adequate gas filtration
- Complete integrated control system
Customer Benefits
- Smaller footprint: main skid 40% to 60% smaller than a single lift traditional unit with integrated lube oil system
- Elimination of almost all external auxiliary systems
- Smaller compressor building
- Higher availability
- Less maintenance, due to absence of lube oil system and seal system and of separate motor cooling
- Easy maintenance: separate access to motor and compressor. Low weight and size of components to be dismantled
- Wide operating range
- Low noise
- No emissions
For product updates or more information on the development of our high-speed electric motor driven compressor, please contact:
Pierre Laboube
pierre.laboube@ge.com
