Integrated Moto-Compressor versus Conventional Solution

Up to 30 MW, thanks to the development of high speed induction & permanent magnets motors and active magnetic bearings, integrated moto-compressors represent today an alternative solution to conventional compression trains using turbines, for both onshore and offshore applications. The process gas is used to cool both the motor and the magnetic bearings making the unit fully hermetic. The first part of the paper describes the integrated solution from an architecture stand point, driven single-stage or multi-stages compressors. This seal less and oil free technology offers numerous advantages such as simplicity, compactness, robustness with zero hydrocarbon emission with very limited maintenance. The second part deals with gas classification and qualification in terms of contaminants (Water, H2S, CO2 ...) and process conditions as the process gas is directly in contact with the motor components (stator, rotor, cabling and magnetic bearings). The third part focuses on the advantages of using an Active Front End Voltage Source Inverter without sinus filter in association with the high-speed motor. Today, the technology is available for most of upstream oil and gas applications.