using a natural gas screw compressor for air compression 2

[wenchop]

hi, is it technically feasible to use a natural gas screw compressor (200 hp or 100 hp electric drive) for air compression?
I will appreciate the help!
thank you!

 

[georgeverghese]

Presume this is wet air you are contemplating here, so is the screw compressor in its current service in natural gas meant for wet natural gas?

 

[wenchop]

there would be an air dryer process upstream to drop the dew point.

 

[gwalkerb]

It is technically feasible, but we can't say if your particular application is feasible without more information.

My company has done the opposite in the past - re-purposed air compressors for natural gas service, including sour gas service. However, we had to work with the compressor manufacturer to ensure that all materials of construction were suitable, and I'm sure there were other considerations, although the qualification for gas service was done long before I worked here.

Basically what I'm saying is that you should contact the compressor manufacturer or packager as they'll be much better positioned to answer your question that we are.

 

[georgeverghese]

If the air is dry, then, it should be okay. Presume you have done the necessary calcs on discharge temp, power demand when in air service.
In many plant where "dry air" is generated with oil flooded screw compressors, the air is actually dripping wet - mole sieves dryers poisoned / bunged up with lube oil carryover from the upstream air compressors.
Check that you have an oil free air compressor upstream generating this dry air, else you should expect high corrosion rates in the lube oil / gas separator of this compressor.