June 2014, Vol. 241, No. 6
Features
Energy Recovery At Pressure Regulating Stations
Pipeline transmission systems operate at high pressures which must be reduced (regulated) at off-takes and distribution points. Additionally, at compressor stations and power plants, the gas pressure to feed the fuel systems of gas turbines has to be reduced to a level acceptable to the fuel system controls. It is general practice to regulate the delivery pressure with a valve which involves a loss of energy to the system. Some of this energy can be recovered using an expander to generate power in place of the valve. The fundamental technology for this form of energy recovery is not new and has been exploited in Europe although it has been generally neglected in North America.
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