Located between the North Sea and Ruhr area, Thyssengas operates a 2,300 km natural gas distribution pipeline (importation, storage, transportation, distribution). The competitive nature of the deregulated gas market in Germany requires the use of the latest compressor station technologies for maximum productivity. Efficiency must be high, at any regime through the winter/summer demand variations.

Hünxe compression station is the site where Thyssengas runs its first centrifugal compressor equipped with magnetic bearings. Hünxe station was built in two phases (1991 and 2000) under severe construction rules in an ecologic environment (green area, river) near major cities of the Ruhr area.

Two Man Turbo booster compressors driven by gas turbines (6.3 MW each) were installed during Phase 1 (1991) construction. Each compressor has two stages that can be operated in series or parallel for high flexibility.

Flexibility was further increased during phase 2 (2000) by implementing a third Man Turbo compressor. The ALSTOM variable speed electric drive (6 MW) of this compressor is ideal for peak operation (less than 1,000 hours per year). It can be started/stopped any time to follow the variations in demand.

This motor-compressor shaft line runs at 12,700 rpm on S2M magnetic bearings: all electric, oil-less design.

Compared to conventional compressors on oil bearings, driven by gas turbines, the advantages are clear:

• flexibility
• immediate activation
• (no warm up)
• compactness: smaller building, no exhaust system, no oil system,.
• reduced maintenance (no contact, no wear)

 

"Flexibility, no oil, reduced maintenance: the all-electric design is really the best solution when electric energy is easily available" says Horst Becker, Head of Operation and Maintenance Center Hamborn at Thyssengas.

"Know-how and experience are there. Magnetic Bearing technology is now state of the art for MAN Turbo. It is part of the product range." says Werner Schmitt, Head Contract Management, Products for the Process Industries at MAN Turbo, Oberhausen.

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