Wet Gas Compression - Effects of a liquid phase on radial compressor performance

Abstract: The aim of the Master Thesis is to analyse the state of the art in wet gas compression, wet gas modelling, derive a thermodynamic model for a compressor layout and compare the model to test data. Wet gas compression is a discussed topic within the oil and gas business. By reducing the number of components in a gas compression unit, the weight can be reduced and the efficiency of the production can be improved. A wet gas is defined as a gas with a liquid volume fraction of up to 5 %, which typically corresponds to a mass fraction of up to 70 % depending on the conditions of the mixture, especially suction pressure. Compression of a wet gas contains an evaporation and condensation process and increased losses due to the liquid phase. It is seen that the process cannot be evaluated as a process in thermal equilibrium. Different suction conditions give different results. In general, the required power increases for wet gas compression and the range decreases. A model for wet gas compression is developed. The model is based on flow models for multi-phase flow in pipes and flow elements. The presented model is based on a dry hydrocarbon gas compressor model with wet gas corrections on the compressor characteristics.