This in turn makes high demands on the flexibility of the compressors, which should exhibit a high level of efficiency over a wide range of performance characteristics. Pipeline compressors are also used in gas collection and gas processing plants as export compressors. The majority of compressors at the stations are driven by gas turbines. However, electric drive motors are being used increasingly as an alternative to turbines.

For these applications, MAN Turbo offers Types RV and Types RM pipeline compressors fully assembled on the base frame.

( Details about RV and RM compressors)

Centrifugal type RV pipeline compressors are used for discharge pressures of up to 130 bar and power inputs of up to 35 MW. The effective intake flow is between approx. 3000m³/hr and approx. 60,000m³/h. Depending on the level of inlet pressure in the pipeline, gas flows of approx. 100,000 Nm³/hr to approx. 3,000,000 Nm³/hr can be transported through the pipeline.

The pipeline compressors are designed with a vertically split casing. The connecting nozzles are normally fitted horizontally on opposite sides of the casing.

This design, together with the compact installation on the base frame enables absorption of the greater forces that arise from the connected piping in this application.

The connecting flanges are of a 600 lbs RF or 900 lbs RTJ design in the 8" to 42" range (depending on the pressure class of the casing). Suction and discharge nozzles normally have the same nominal width.

The vertical design of the casing with the laterally fitted flanges enables the inspection and replacement of all internals without separating the connections to the gas line. If required, the operating characteristics can be very quickly adapted to e.g. differences in seasonal demand or longer-term capacity increases by replacing the inner bundle as a whole. Type RV pipeline compressors are particularly suitable for direct drive configurations using gas turbines. Frequency-controlled or conventional electric motors can also be used to drive these compressors with an intermediate gear unit.

Principal features:

Robust, modular design

Highly efficient over a wide range of performance characteristics

Flexible design to accommodate a change in operating parameters and subsequent capacity uprating

High level of availability, extremely reliable

Easy to maintain

Single-stage pipeline compressors are a special design in which the impeller is overhung-mounted on the shaft. In this case suction is enabled by a nozzle fitted in an axial direction. These compressors are installed in cases where the pressure ratio over the compressor is not too great and the available space allows an axial inlet line.

The type RM pipeline compressor (MOPICO – Motor-Pipeline-Compressor) is a hermetically encapsulated machine that combines the compressor with an integrated high-frequency motor on one shaft. The complete machine is supported in magnetic bearings, eliminating the need for an oil system. No gas seals are required either, thanks to the hermetic encapsulation. MOPICOs are supplied for intake pressures of up to 50 bar, discharge pressures of up to 100 bar and a throughput of up to 2,000,000 Nm³/h.

Principal features:

Drive with integrated high-frequency motor

Magnetic bearing assembly, thus oil- and wear-free operation

Hermetically sealed, emission-free

Highly efficient in a wide operating range

Low noise emission

Modular design

Low installation costs

Easy to maintain