NAM, the Dutch gas producing company, operates various gas fields in the West of the Netherlands (Pernis West plant capacity 2x10 6 Nm 3 /day, Barendrecht and Gaag II each producing approximately 4.5x10 6 Nm 3 /day).

The gas is sold to the Dutch distributor GASUNIE. Before being sold, the gas has to be treated and conditioned using the LTS (Low Temperature Separation) process.

As a result of the gas production, the reservoir pressure decreases to an extent that compression facilities have to be introduced to maintain the required pressure for the LTS process.

The above mentioned projects are all in existing unmanned gas treating plants. For the gas depletion of the reservoir, the idea is to integrate a compressor upstream of the gas treating facilities.

Below 1.0x10 6 Nm 3 /day one only considers reciprocating compressors, but in the upper range there is a preference for centrifugal compressors.

For Pernis West and Barendrecht, NAM chose the HOFIM (High Speed Oil-free Intelligent Motor) innovative concept.

The compressor is directly coupled to an Alstom electric motor. This variable frequency driven electric motor is running at maximum 14,700 rpm, eliminating the gearbox.

The capacity range (0-100%) is achieved by combination of a variable speed drive and an automatic control valve.

Advantages such as less space and lower weight requirements play an important role.

Oil-free operation with magnetic bearings on motor and compressor means less maintenance and elimination of lubricating oil disposal (environmentally friendly).

To maximize profitability with minimum lifecycle cost, gas field depletion compressors must be able to operate over a wide speed range due to the declining suction pressure over the lifetime of the reservoir, and varying gas demands.

Conventional geared units typically cannot run over a wide speed range because of limitations in lateral and/or torsional critical speed.

The HOFIM compressor solves this problem by eliminating the gearbox and making use of the Actidyne magnetic bearings which allow the unit to run in a wider operating range.

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