ABSTRACT
Pressure plays a major role in gas processing, as it moves gas from the field, through the gas plant, and into the sales gas line. Pressure provides the source for cooling the gas to low temperatures. Compression is the major expenditure in both capital and operating costs of gas plants. The chapter begins with the fundamentals of compression and the equations to estimate compressor work and gas exit temperatures. Multistaging is discussed along with basic compressor efficiencies. Compressor types and their typical cost-effective ranges are covered. The focus of this chapter is on reciprocating and centrifugal compressors because they are the most widely used. Equations to estimate the capacity are given along with more detailed calculations on efficiency and power calculations for reciprocating compressors. Power equations and fan laws for centrifugal compressors are shown. Finally, a comparison of reciprocating and centrifugal compressors is given.
