Trailer-Mounted Multi-Stage Compressor for Compact Methane Recompression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional recompression equipment is heavy, bulky, and logistically complicated, requiring large trucks and specialized drivers, making it costly and difficult to transport and operate in confined spaces, especially during pipeline maintenance and repairs.
Innovation Solution
A compact recompression system non-removably mounted on a gooseneck trailer, powered by a multi-stage compressor and electric motor, which can be hauled by a medium-duty truck, allowing for controlled methane recompression and reduced downtime with a smaller footprint and easier operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional heavy and bulky recompression equipment is used, then reliable recompression function is achieved, but transport complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The recompression system is divided into modular components (compressor unit, trailer, mounting system) that can be independently manufactured, transported, and assembled. This segmentation allows the system to maintain full recompression functionality while reducing individual component sizes and simplifying transport logistics.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor, motor, control systems, and support structures are merged into a single integrated trailer-mounted unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate equipment pieces and their associated transport requirements, reducing overall transport complexity while maintaining complete recompression capability.
2Weight of moving object
If traditional large truck transport is used, then heavy equipment can be moved, but specialized drivers and logistics coordination are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system fundamentally changes the weight parameter by designing a lightweight recompression unit that fits on medium-duty trailers instead of requiring heavy-duty truck transport. This parameter change transforms the transport operation from requiring specialized Class 7 or 8 truck drivers to using standard medium-duty truck operators, significantly improving ease of operation.
3Power
If traditional bulky equipment is used, then sufficient compression capacity is achieved, but the equipment cannot fit into confined service areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by concentrating compression capacity in specific high-performance components while minimizing the overall equipment footprint. The trailer-mounted design allows the compression machinery to be compactly arranged in strategic locations, maintaining sufficient compression power for pipeline operations while fitting into confined service areas that would be inaccessible to bulky traditional equipment.
4Reliability
If traditional separate operator and driver arrangements are used, then professional operation is ensured, but operational cost and coordination complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer-mounted design creates a universal platform that can be operated by standard truck operators without requiring separate specialized drivers and on-site operators. The simplified transport and deployment system allows one person to handle both transport and initial setup operations, reducing coordination complexity while maintaining reliable operation through proper training and standardized procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides efficient, cost-effective, and safer recompression capabilities with higher flow rates and reduced downtime, fitting into smaller work sites and eliminating the need for separate drivers, while maintaining pressures suitable for pipeline operations.
Implementation Method 1
compressing, using a multi-stage compressor non-removably mounted to a trailer, the fluid through one or more compression cycles
Implementation Method 2
cooling the fluid after compression, scrubbing liquid from the fluid
Implementation Method 3
cooling the fluid after compression, scrubbing liquid from the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for recompression are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a method may include receiving a fluid from a first conduit or container at a first pressure. The method may include using a multi-stage compressor which is non-removably mounted to a trailer to compress the fluid through one or more compression stages. The method may include cooling the fluid after each stage of compression, scrubbing liquid from the fluid before each stage of compression, and discharging the fluid to a second conduit or container at a second pressure.