Shale Gas Distributed Compression®

We overcame the gathering system and turned the operating conditions independent in the wells in order to maximize production.

With Distributed Compression, we ensure you optimal pressure conditions and the best result throughout the wells lifespan. Compare.

Traditional model – Stage I
Optimal production conditions
In optimal production conditions, gas is sent from the wells to a gathering plant through a pipeline network. This model works as long as the wellheads pressures are naturally high.
Traditional model – Stage II
Declining production and revamping
When the wells productivity decreases, the traditional solution is to increase the gathering plant’s power and the pipe’s diameter - at a very high cost - and to add Wellhead Compressors to boost power on every well.
Distributed Compression
The Shale Gas evolution
We overcome the traditional model through the installation of high-discharge pressure Wellhead Compressors. This change of paradigm allows for independent operating conditions in the wells, maintains optimal well-head pressure values and increases the pressure flow required by the network that is connected to the main gas pipelines.

Through Distributed Compression we eliminate gathering as an intermediate stage in the transportation of natural gas and achieve the following benefits:

1. Reduction in investments and increased business predictability

The pipe’s diameter is reduced by half and can be dimensioned for a constant pressure over the lifetime of the reservoir (e.g. 1232 psi) which translates into lower costs per meter of steel pipe and installations.

Pressure is kept constant throughout the whole operating life of the reservoir, which eliminates revamping at treatment plants and other facilities.

The modularity and portability of the Wellhead Compressors eliminate the need of civil work, allowing easy and multiple relocations, thus making it possible to incorporate new wells into the system.

The reconfiguration of the compression stages allows the suction pressure to be adjusted throughout the operating life of the well, which eliminates revamping of the Wellhead Compressors.

The full autonomy of the Wellhead Compressors along with their availability of above 99% significantly reduces the operation and maintenance costs.

 

2. Increased production and profitability levels.

Independent operating conditions in the unconventional reservoir wells generate the highest production levels. In spite of the rapid decline in pressure levels they still produce:

+ 40-80% in gas production in tight/shale gas wells and
+ 50-200% production in liquids in tight/shale gas wells

Conventional wells also show:

+ 50-300% in gas production in mature wells
+ 100-300% in liquid production in mature wells