Operation Analysis of Rotary Tools of Compressor Station Using Exergy Approach

In this study, operation of compressor station has been investigated by exergy approach. Exergy analysis is a thermodynamic method which shows the irreversibility of a system quantitatively. Gas compressors are used to compensate the pressure drop along the gas pipeline significantly. The compression process causes temperature rise of gas; in this regard gas cooler is applied to reduce the temperature. The compressors are run at variable speed; fuel consumed in combustion chamber is changed accordingly. The estimation of operating parameters needed the performance curve of compressor and that of turbine which are unique for each turbo-compressor. The case study is focused on transmission of sour gas through IGAT5 pipeline, located in south of Iran. The effect of H2S and CO2 is considered in using a real gas model. The results show that exergetic efficiency of each turbo-compressor severely is depended on operating condition of compressor and required compression ratio of station. The maximum irreversibility is signified by turbine, hence any attempts to improve turbine performance affects the total efficiency of station.