Operating Considerations in Application of Gas-Turbine-Driven, Centrifugal, Pipeline Compressors

Northern Natural Gas Company has operated two gas-turbine stations through three winter heating seasons. Each of these stations consists of four 5700-hp gas-fired turbine-driven, centrifugal compressors arranged in series. The intent of this paper is to present the fundamental reasons behind the decision to use turbines in this application and to reflect some light on anticipated related operating and maintenance costs. Sufficient operating time has transpired to arrive at some definite conclusions as to operating costs and the reliability of the machines. However, there is insufficient experience to predict future maintenance costs accurately. Included herein are results of the recent major inspection and overhaul of two gas turbines.