Integrated Compressor Line Technology
- Introduction
- Benefits
- Detailed Information
- Links & Downloads
- Gallery
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Introduction
GE’s integrated compressor line (ICL) technology is designed to help compression plant operators meet growing operational and environmental challenges. It features an integrated system with a single casing for the compressor and motor and combines three proven technologies: centrifugal compression, active magnetic bearings and high-speed electric motors.
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Benefits
Did you know:
GE’s ICL technology is driven by electricity instead of gas, saving energy and avoiding associated CO2 emissions. In Russia, using an average 8MW ICL rather than a comparable-sized conventional compressor can reduce CO2 emissions by 77%.
The ICL’s closed design better avoids methane leaks as compared to a conventional compressor. Also different from a conventional compressor, the GE ICL compressor does not need to depressurize when stopped, avoiding the annual venting of methane.
Source: GE Transportation projections
Did you know:
GE’s ICL technology improves operating performance by requiring less maintenance, and performing at lower cost due to the absence of a lube oil system, dry gas seal systems and separate motor cooling system. These factors also mean that the ICL takes up less space and is easy to install, since it does not require auxiliary equipment for cooling and lubrication of a gas turbine.
By replacing oil-lubricated bearings with active magnetic bearings, GE has eliminated the need for oil within the compressor. Over the life of the product, including oil refills, this can eliminate the consumption of more than 31,500 liters of oil.
Source: Estimated annual fuel consumption of North American railroads, 2004. GE Transportation and the Association of American Railroads.
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Detailed Information
The future of rail is just around the bend
The Environmental Challenge
Compression plant operators worldwide are facing challenges linked to CO2 and NOx emissions, as well as noise requirements. To minimize a plant's impact on the environment, the industry trend today is toward the use of electrification to replace mechanical drive gas turbines.
GE sought a solution that provides higher availability and lower maintenance costs, compared to a gas turbine drive.
GE’s Innovative Solution
GE developed a unique combination of sealed design and well-proven rotor dynamics to create a centrifugal compressor directly driven by high-speed electric motors. This technology offers more performance and lower environmental impact.
Environmental Impact
The closed design of the GE Oil & Gas ICL avoids the annual leakage of 40 000 cubic meters of methane from the shaft ends of a conventional compressor, equivalent to 657 metric tons of CO2; this is equivalent to the emissions of 131 passenger cars on U.S. roads over the course of 1 year.
Compared to a conventional compressor, the GE Oil & Gas ICL does not need to depressurize when stopped, avoiding the annual venting of 37,5 metric tons of methane, equivalent to 863 metric tons of CO2.
By replacing oil lubricated bearings with active magnetic bearings, the GE Oil & Gas ICL eliminates the need for oil within the compressor, which over the life time of the product, including oil refills, eliminates 31,500 liters from being consumed.
The GE ICL compressor also features quieter operation than a conventional compressor and takes up less space, since it does not require auxiliary equipment for cooling and lubrication of a gas turbine.
Cutting Costs
Due to its simplified design, GE’s ICL technology will reduce costs for projected lifecycle maintenance costs by 40% versus a conventional compressor.
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