OTC.13: Dresser-Rand introduces newest DATUM® centrifugal compressor

Dresser-Rand, a global supplier of rotating equipment solutions to the oil, gas, petrochemical, power, and process industries, reached a milestone when it sold its 1,000^th DATUM^® centrifugal compressor—the new DATUM Icentrifugal compressor—to Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX) to supplement capacity on its existing Abkatun-D Platform located in the Tabasco Field in the Bay of Campeche.

Recent changes in Mexican environmental regulations required PEMEX to reduce and eventually eliminate gas flaring on its offshore platforms. In order to comply with this requirement, additional compression capacity was needed on its Abkatun-D platform to move the gas to a downstream collection point.

Dresser-Rand recommended using two single-lift compression trains, each containing two DATUM compressors driven by VECTRA^® power turbines. The DATUM unit in low pressure service on each module is configured as a double-flow machine and provides the inlet flow capacity of a compressor much larger in size. In high pressure service on each module, the DATUM I compressors incorporate Dresser-Rand proprietary rotary separator technology within the compressor body to remove liquids from the incoming gas stream which eliminates the need for conventional external separation equipment. 

The DATUM I compressor is part of the DATUM ICS (Integrated Compression System). The DATUM ICS integrates rotary separator technology, together with a high-speed, close-coupled, gas-cooled motor; magnetic bearing rotor system; dedicated unit controls; process coolers, valves, instrumentation and interconnecting piping – all packaged in a compact module design.

“Since introducing the DATUM compressor in 1995, we made a commitment to provide a reliable, technologically superior compressor that results in the lowest total cost of ownership for our clients,” said Jesus Pacheco, executive vice president of New Equipment Worldwide at Dresser-Rand. “The DATUM I compressor is another example of the adaptability of the DATUM product line and its ability to meet the unique application challenges of our clients.”

The order from PEMEX was booked in the fourth quarter of 2012. Dresser-Rand will engineer, fabricate, install, and test the two compression modules with an expected delivery to Pemex in early 2014. Visit http://datum.dresser-rand.com.