GE’s Integrated Compressor Line (ICL) technology is designed to help increase efficiency and minimize the environmental impacts of compression plant operations in the Oil & Gas industry. GE’s ICL features an integrated system – with a single casing for the compressor and motor – and combines four proven technologies that reduce CO2 and methane emissions, decrease the need for lubricating oil, and increase energy efficiency compared to a conventional compressor.
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Environmental Benefits
GE's ICL technology is driven by electricity instead of gas, saving energy and avoiding associated CO2 emissions because it does not rely on a gas-fired drive. In the US, using a typical 8 MW ICL rather than a conventional gas fired driven compressor of comparable power can avoid 60% of CO2 emissions associated with compressor use, or 47,700 metric tons annually. Unlike conventional compressors which leak methane from their shaft ends, ICL's closed design can also avoid 40,200 cubic meters of methane leaks per year. Additionally, ICL does not need to depressurize when stopped, avoiding the annual venting of about 37.5 metric tons of methane compared to a conventional compressor. These three benefits combined enable ICL to avoid a total of 49,200 metric tons of CO2e emissions per year, equivalent to the annual CO2 emissions of 9,650 cars on U.S. roads.
Operating Benefits
GE's ICL technology requires less maintenance, and performs at lower cost than a conventional compressor due to the absence of a lube oil system, dry gas seal systems, and separate motor cooling system. Given its simpler design, ICL requires about 100 m2 less space than a conventional compressor and is easier to install, since it does not require auxiliary equipment for cooling and lubrication of a gas turbine. By replacing oil-lubricated bearings with active magnetic bearings, GE has eliminated the need for oil within the compressor. Over the life of the product, including oil refills, this can eliminate the consumption of more than 31,500 liters of oil.
