While the cost and availability of energy and the emissions issues play a large part in any compressor unit selection process, the items discussed in this article should be given strong consideration in view of the projected operational challenges. For example, what is the value to the customer of being able to see the effects of a compressor unit online and operating at full power in 5 minutes or less? Once on line, what is the value of being able to operate at power levels between 20 percent and 100 percent, regardless of ambient temperature? Is there an advantage to operating for a few hours when customer demands are high, or energy costs are low; shutting down when opposite conditions occur, and repeating the cycle a number of times in 24 hours without machine damage? What are the financial benefits of being able to construct a compressor station in a community setting without facing complex issues of vibration or noise, surface pollution, or aesthetics? Finally, what is the value of having compression equipment, which can be highly automated, yet offer challenging and meaningful work to newly hired station personnel? These questions would not have been nearly as important 10 years ago but they are now. Utilities and contractors making the decisions to install compression equipment for 20 plus years of service must consider the new operating environment.
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