How are natural gas pipelines pressurized?
Natural gas pipelines are primarily pressurized through the strategic placement and operation of compressor stations located at intervals along the pipeline. These vital facilities are essential for maintaining the continuous flow and necessary pressure of natural gas over long distances.
To ensure that natural gas remains pressurized and can be efficiently transported from production sites to consumers, a robust system of compressor stations is integrated into the pipeline network. Without these stations, friction, elevation changes, and the sheer length of pipelines would cause the gas pressure to drop significantly, hindering its movement.
The Role of Compressor Stations
Compressor stations act as booster pumps for natural gas. They are strategically placed in intervals along the pipeline to counteract pressure loss and maintain the desired flow rate. As natural gas travels through the pipeline, its pressure naturally decreases. When the pressure drops to a certain point, the gas enters a compressor station for re-pressurization.
Inside a compressor station, the process of compression occurs as follows:
- Gas Entry: The natural gas enters the compressor station from the pipeline.
- Compression Mechanism: Within the station, powerful machinery is used to compress the natural gas. According to industry practices, this compression is typically achieved by one of three primary power sources:
- Turbine: Often gas turbines, which use a portion of the natural gas itself as fuel, offering high power output suitable for large volumes.
- Motor: Electric motors that drive the compressor units, offering environmental benefits in terms of local emissions.
- Engine: Internal combustion engines (similar to those in vehicles but much larger) that power the compressors, often fueled by natural gas.
- Re-pressurization: This compression process increases the pressure and density of the natural gas, giving it the necessary force to continue its journey down the pipeline to the next station or its destination.
This continuous cycle of pressure reduction and re-pressurization by compressor stations ensures that the natural gas maintains optimal flow and pressure throughout the vast pipeline network, enabling its efficient delivery.
Components for Compression
The following table summarizes the primary types of components used for compressing natural gas in pipeline stations:
| Component Type | Description | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Turbine | A rotary engine that extracts energy from a flow of fluid (gas). | High-volume, long-distance pipelines; often fueled by natural gas. |
| Motor | An electric device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. | Locations with reliable electricity access; environmentally conscious operations. |
| Engine | An internal combustion engine that converts fuel into mechanical energy. | Versatile applications; can be fueled by the natural gas being transported. |
