New reciprocating compressor solution for offshore applications: product development, realisation and its first installation

摘要

During the last 6 years Burckhardt Compression has developed a unique reciprocating piston compressor aimed at a number of applications in the offshore market. The different duties that are specified for these applications need a highly flexible compression solution with variable suction conditions from cryogenic to ambient temperatures. The demanding installation and operation requirements have been considered in the mechanical design of the compressor and in the compressor package layout. This paper describes the development of the fully balanced Laby-GI offshore compressor and the special steps in its engineering design and manufacture that were taken to ensure that the first, and any subsequent installation, would be executed successfully in order to fulfil all requirements. The successful first installation and commissioning of a Laby-GI offshore compressor with a detailed experience report will complete the paper. This final part will focus on handling cryogenic boil-off gas and the special installation requirements on an LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) carrier to be retrofitted as FSRU (Floating Storage and Regasification Unit).