The role of a compression station is to raise the pressure of the fluid in the line, in order to provide the energy needed for transportation. In the station flow begins its journey through the suction line, passing through equipments like the: Chromatographs: This records some parameters that measure the quality of gas. Slug Catcher: where the gas expands, helping to separate the condensates Sucking filter separator: extract solid impurities Ultrasonic Flow Meter: records and stores data regarding pressure, temperature, flow rate and volume Hygrometer: shows dew temperatures.
The gas continues its compression journey, entering the suction and fuel "scrubbers" where more gas liquids are extracted; it continues to the head suction valves and enters the compressors. Finally, a higher gas pressure leaves the discharge line of compressors. To lower its temperature, the gas passes through the "Coolers" then enters the discharge filter or Coalescente, this helps separating the gas liquids, and afterwards it is conducted to the Ultrasonic flow meter where the measurement parameters are registered.
Each station has also a power supply to operate the compressors, an engine for each compressor, a fan for the cooling system, a system of valves inherent in the operation of the compressors, ensuring the desired working pressure , a small compressor for the operation of valves and all instrumentation required for the control of the compression process. In addition, within the station there are storage tanks for lubricants and coolants that are used in motors, and condensates drained in the operation, in order to protect and preserve the natural environment. It is important to note that in every compressed natural gas station, there is the environmental management plan in compliance with national legislation on the subject. Hato Nuevo Compression Station Located in the vicinity of the pig trap km 79 of the Ballena - Barrancabermeja pipeline, in the municipality of Hatonuevo , department of La Guajira. This compressed natural gas station came into operation in May 1999 and its compression capability is 200 MMSCFD Casacará Compression Station Located south of the department of Cesar, in the nearby municipality of Agustin Codazzi , installed at kilometer 238 +385's of the Ballena - Barrancabermeja pipeline. It started operations in December 12, 1997. It has a 200 MMSCFD capacity of compression. Since May of 2007 TGI is in charge of its operation. Norean Compression Station It is located in the municipality of Gamarra , in the area known as Mahoma. The station is located near the pig trap located at kilometer 412 of the Ballena - Barrancabermeja pipeline. The station became operational in March 1999. Vasconia Compression Station Located in the municipality of Puerto Boyaca , (Boyaca) near the pig trap, km 172 of the Barrancabermeja- Mariquita pipeline. The station became operational in September 1999 with a 200 MMSCFD capacity of compression. Apiay Compression Station Located about 120 kilometers from the Cusiana exploration fields, exactly in the area where the Apiay natural gas production field is located, and within ECOPETROL´s Industrial Complex of Apiay, Km. 32 via Puerto Lopez ( META ). Miraflores Compression Station With this station transmission capacity expanded in the Cusiana - La Belleza pipeline, which became operational in late 2006, with an initial capacity of 180 MMSCFD and located in the PK 53 +484's of El Porvenir - La Belleza pipeline. (Boyacá). It was the last compressed natural gas station implemented to increase the carrying capacity of the central system of pipelines. |
For more information, contact