Brochure

Turboexpander-
compressors
Turboexpanders are used in all segments
of the oil and gas industry to produce
cryogenic refrigeration, while increasing
the facility’s energy efficiency and reducing
its CO
2
footprint. Alternative approaches
include expansion of the gas stream
through a valve, which does not recover
energy, and external refrigeration, which
consumes energy. A turboexpander, on the
other hand, is a pressure let-down device
that produces cryogenic temperatures
while simultaneously recovering energy
from a plant stream in the form of shaft
power that can be used to drive other
machinery such as a compressor. This
approach avoids fuel consumption,
improves overall process efficiency and
reduces the plant’s environmental impact.
How they work
A turboexpander expands process fluid
from the inlet pressure to the discharge
pressure in two steps: first through
variable inlet guide vanes and then
through the radial wheel. As the
accelerated process fluid moves
from the inlet guide vanes to the
expander wheel, kinetic energy is
converted into useful mechanical
energy – extracting energy from the
process fluid and cooling it down.
The mechanical energy is available
to drive other process equipment
– in this case, a compressor.
Design & performance to rely on
GE Oil & Gas turboexpander-compressors are available
in a wide selection of frame sizes to match virtually any
application. Our high-efficiency designs are created with
the most advanced computational tools to ensure optimal
refrigeration and energy recovery. Over 60 years of
turbomachinery experience and an operational database
from the industry’s largest installed fleet guarantee a robust
design and a long mean time between maintenance.
Best match to the application
Large portfolio of frame sizes including large-capacity •
machines
Optimized footprint and weight for offshore applications•
High performance
State-of-the-art design and validation tools; large database •
of verified wheels
Proven innovations from GE Engineering Centers of •
Excellence
Optimal integration with other GE Oil & Gas equipment•
High availability
Robust, proven designs based on extensive installed base•
Worldwide, regional support through the GE Oil & Gas •
Global Services network
Coordinated project management
Single point of contact for plant equipment and controls, •
installation, startup, commissioning and service
Capability of full-load string testing with up- or •
downstream compressor