Safaniya’s Anti-surge Solution – Built for Speed

When a valve problem arose at the world’s largest gas and oil separation plant (GOSP), Saudi Aramco called on CCI , the company that has provided severe service solutions that have proven their high-performance value at the customer’s plants for several years.

Extremely slow-reacting anti-surge valves at Saudi Aramco’s Safaniya plant were causing a chain reaction that compromised safety and efficiency at the facility. Because the anti-surge valves took four to six seconds to open, the compressor sometimes tripped before the valve opened, taking it out of service. As a temporary fix, the plant kept the anti-surge valves 20% to 25% open at all times so they could respond to the control signal in case of a surge situation; in turn, however, keeping these valves open caused the compressors down the line to perform poorly.

For maximum safety and reliability, CCI provided seven DRAG® 100D compressor anti-surge valves ranging from 12 x 12 inches (300 x 300 mm) to 12 x 24 (300x600 mm) inches and 24 x 30 inches (600 x 750 mm). These solutions combined premium DRAG® flow control technology with reliable, fast-stroking actuation.

CCI’s pneumatic actuation system delivers accelerated stroke speeds while maintaining precise resolution and control. With this, Safaniya’s anti-surge control valves now open 100% in less than two seconds, so the plant does not need to keep the valves open all the time.

Control systems on gas compression trains place great demands on the control valves within the process. With CCI’s established trim and actuation designs in the new valves, Safaniya’s compressor trains will not trip, and their reliable performance will eliminate maintenance. Additionally, improved compressor function will help the plant produce more gas, while efficient compressor motors will save electricity.

Thrilled with CCI’s anti-surge solutions, which continue to provide optimal performance and valve longevity, Safaniya’s Producing Operation division awarded CCI with a certificate of appreciation, expressing its gratitude for CCI’s continuous engineering service and outstanding support and follow-up.

Published in Summer Solutions 2004