Supply of 3 pcs Seal Gas Conditioning Skids which will be used on high-pressure compressor packages. Due to the highly corrosive nature of the gas stainless steel 316, Duplex and Incoloy 825 materials were required.
The role of seal gas in high-pressure compressors
High-pressure compressors rely on seal gas systems to protect their dry gas seals, the components that prevent process gas from leaking along the compressor shaft. Seal gas conditioning skids take a slipstream of gas, filter and condition it, and deliver it to the seals at the correct pressure, temperature and cleanliness. Without properly conditioned seal gas, dry gas seals are exposed to contaminants and pressure fluctuations that can shorten their service life and increase the risk of unplanned compressor downtime, so this equipment plays a small but critical role in keeping a compressor package running safely.
Choosing materials for a corrosive gas stream
The specific gas handled on this project was highly corrosive, which ruled out standard carbon steel construction for wetted parts. Stainless steel 316 was selected for general corrosion resistance, while Duplex stainless steel added extra strength and resistance to chloride-related corrosion, and Incoloy 825 was used where resistance to more aggressive corrosive attack was required. Combining these materials allowed FB Group to match each part of the skid to the specific corrosion challenge it faces, rather than over-specifying a single exotic material across the whole package.
Delivering three matched skids
Supplying the seal gas conditioning system as three separate skids gave the compressor packages dedicated, purpose-built conditioning capacity for each seal gas duty. Fabricating and testing each skid individually also allows issues to be identified and resolved per unit, and makes it easier to install, maintain and, if needed, replace one skid without disturbing the others once the packages are in operation.
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