Instrument Air Compressors: The Lifeline of Oil and Gas Facility. Volume 1. A Case Study of Oml 17 - Nigeria
Instrument Air Compressors: The Lifeline of Oil and Gas Facility. Volume 1. A Case Study of Oml 17 - Nigeria
Instrument Air Compressors: The Lifeline of Oil and Gas Facility. Volume 1. A Case Study of Oml 17 - Nigeria
1st stage 3.2 bar 2.4 2.5 2.5 2.5 SB SB 2.5 2.5 SB SB 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6
discharge
pressure
2nd stage <130 ˚C 105 103 105 SB SB SB 102 102 SB SB 102 103 102 101
discharge
temp
2nd stage <12bar 11.0 11.0 11.0 SB SB SB 11.8 11.2 SB SB 11.3 11.3 11.4 11.4
discharge
pressure
Lube oil 2.1–3.0 2.2 2.3 2.3 2.3 SB SB 2.4 2.3 SB SB 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5
pressure bar
Auxiliary 80 ˚C 97 97 99 96 SB SB 98 96 SB SB 95 94 95 96
water
temperature
inlet
Auxiliary <60 ˚C 25 25 25 25 SB SB 25 25 25 SB 25 25 25 25
water
temperature
outlet
E. Optimization Strategies: Define key performance targets and metrics to track the
Develop targeted optimization strategies based on the effectiveness of optimization efforts over time.
findings of the performance assessment and root cause
analysis. Consider the need for training and capacity building to
ensure successful implementation and ongoing maintenance
Prioritize interventions that address the most critical of optimized compressor systems. (Rachel Adams, et al,
performance issues while considering factors such as cost- 2023)
effectiveness, feasibility, and potential impact on operational
efficiency. (Ahmed Ali et al, 2022) G. Monitoring and Evaluation:
Establish a monitoring and evaluation framework to
Explore various optimization approaches, including track the progress and outcomes of optimization initiatives.
equipment upgrades, maintenance optimization, operational
adjustments, and the implementation of advanced monitoring Continuously monitor compressor performance against
and control systems. established KPIs and benchmarks, (Sarah Lee et al, 2021).
Fig 1: Showing Air Reciprocating Compressor System Showing Compressor Control Panel,
Gauges, Sump, and Discharge Drum etc.
Air filter: Essential for removing contaminants such as Air Dryers: Used to remove moisture from the
dust, oil, and moisture from the intake air to ensure the compressed air to prevent corrosion and damage to
quality of the compressed air. Shown in figure 3. instrumentation. Figure 3.
Fig 2: Shows Cooler Fan Motor, Auxiliary Water Pump and Unloading Exhaust
Piping and Tubing: Distribution network to carry the Pressure Regulators and Control Valves: Regulate and
compressed air from the compressors to various control the pressure of the compressed air as required by
instruments and control systems throughout the facility. different instruments and systems.
Shown in figure 3. Instrumentation: Various gauges, sensors, and control
devices that rely on compressed air for operation.
Fig 3: Shows Instrument Air Compressor Scrubber, Filters, Radiators, Dryers, Tubing & Piping, etc.
Lubricants and Coolants: Required for lubrication and Safety Equipment: Including pressure relief valves as
cooling in reciprocating compressors, ensuring smooth shown in figure 4, pressure gauges, and alarms to ensure
operation and longevity. Shown in figure 3. safe operation and prevent overpressure situations.
Fig 4: Showing Air Receiver, Relief Valve and the Piping and Instrumentation System
Fig 5: Showing IAC Control Panel, Discharge Drum, oil Sump etc.
For efficiency and reliability of the instrument air power consumption. Ensuring that air quality meets the
compressor, is important that the installation, operations, and requirements of instrument and control systems.
maintenance should be done professionally and according to Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance activities
the OEM guide. including:
Routine inspections of compressor components such as
Installation: Proper installation of compressors, air belts, filters, valves, and lubrication systems.
dryers, filters, and associated equipment according to Regular replacement of air filters and dryers’ desiccant
manufacturer specifications and industry standards. beds to maintain air quality.
Operation: Regular monitoring of compressor operation, Lubrication and coolant checks and changes as per
including inlet and discharge pressures, temperatures, and manufacturer recommendations.
Calibration and testing of pressure regulators and control according to environmental regulations to minimize
valves. environmental impact.
Inspection and maintenance of piping and tubing for
leaks or damage. III. MOBILE AIR COMPRESSOR
Periodic testing of safety equipment and emergency
shutdown systems. Recognizing the vital role of compressed air, oil and gas
Troubleshooting and Repairs: Prompt identification and facilities often implement redundancy and contingency plans
rectification of any issues with compressors or associated to ensure uninterrupted supply. One such measure is the
equipment to minimize downtime and maintain system provision of mobile air compressors as standby equipment in
reliability. case the primary compressor fails or undergoes maintenance.
Training and Documentation: Providing adequate Here's why this approach is crucial: (John Smith et al, 2022)
training to personnel involved in the operation and
maintenance of instrument air compressors. Maintaining Minimizing Downtime: The primary objective of having
comprehensive documentation including operating standby mobile air compressors is to minimize downtime
procedures, maintenance schedules, and equipment in case of unexpected failures or maintenance
manuals. requirements of the primary compressor. Rapid
Environmental Considerations: Proper disposal of deployment of mobile units can help maintain essential
compressor lubricants, coolants, and filter elements operations while repairs or replacements are carried out
on the primary system. See figure 6.
Ensuring Operational Continuity: Oil and gas facilities Reducing Risk of Production Loss: Production loss due
operate around the clock, and any interruption in to compressed air supply failure can result in significant
production can have significant financial implications. revenue loss for oil and gas facilities. By investing in
Having mobile air compressors readily available ensures standby mobile compressors, facilities can mitigate the
that essential operations can continue without disruption, risk of production loss associated with compressed air
safeguarding productivity, and profitability. system downtime, thereby protecting their bottom line.
Enhancing Safety: Compressed air is often used in
critical safety systems such as pneumatic emergency IV. RESULT AND DISCUSION
shutdown valves and fire suppression systems. A failure
in the compressed air supply can compromise these safety A. Importance of Instrument Air Compressors
measures, leading to potential hazards. Standby mobile Instrument air compressors serve as the backbone of oil
compressors serve as a backup to ensure that safety- and gas facilities, providing the essential compressed air
critical systems always remain operational. required for the operation of instrumentation and control
Flexibility and Scalability: Mobile air compressors offer systems. These systems are integral to monitoring and
flexibility and scalability, allowing facilities to adapt to regulating various processes within the facility, including
changing operational requirements or temporary pressure, temperature, flow, and level control. Without
expansions. They can be easily transported to different reliable instrument air compressors, the effectiveness and
locations within the facility or deployed for specific tasks safety of these systems would be compromised, potentially
where compressed air is needed, providing versatility in leading to operational disruptions and safety hazards. (Rachel
managing air supply needs. Adams et al, 2020). Finding the right compressed air
treatment based on ISO 8573-1 air quality standard. see table
2.