Emerson Announces Copeland Scroll Modulor Compression Launched for Global Oil & Gas Applications

  • June 02, 2005
  • Emerson
  • News
AUSTIN, TEXAS (June 1, 2005) – Emerson Process Management today announced that its Copeland Scroll™ modular compression technology has been released for global oil and gas applications. The alternative oilfield compression technology offers lower maintenance and more flexibility than current solutions. The compressor modules are now being packaged for applications worldwide, including the United States, where new technology is playing a pivotal role in helping producers increase production from mature and unconventional oil and gas reserves. For more than two years, Emerson has worked closely with industry producers and packagers to adapt Copeland Scroll technology into a superior wellhead compression solution. Initial oilfield applications began in Western Canada in 2003, with more than 200 compressors logging over one million hours of operation since its introduction. “Emerson’s Copeland Scroll compressor technology has been incredibly successful in advancing the air conditioning and refrigeration industries. Similarly, our installations with oil and gas producers have proven that many of the same technology benefits, especially very low maintenance, are helping to enhance production and reduce operations costs,” said Mark McCormick, business director for Emerson’s Copeland Scroll Oil and Gas products. “We are very excited to extend Emerson’s innovation and be first to market with scroll compressor technology in the oil and gas industry. We believe this technology will play a key role in oil and gas production operations going forward.”As one of the world’s largest compressor manufacturers, Emerson is leveraging its high volume designs, manufacturing expertise and quality systems to offer the oil and gas industry the first compression solution using scroll technology. With unprecedented once-per-year maintenance requirements for most applications, annual planned costs are $300 to $400 in parts, requiring about one hour labor per compressor. For a typical 30 horsepower package this translates into an estimated $1,500 to $4,000 annual savings on maintenance, as compared to typical screw and reciprocating compressor solutions. With no shaft seals, the hermetically-welded compressors do not require mechanical adjustment or periodic lubrication. Significantly lower oil carryover ranges from 15 to 60 ounces per year, depending on the application. Commercial air conditioning sound levels allow Copeland Scroll compressors to operate in environmentally sensitive and sound-restricted areas. Applications include coal bed methane, oil well casing gas (production optimization), conventional gas and vapor recovery. Packaged compression flow rates are 20 to 600 mcfd, suction pressure capability of vacuum to 25 psig suction and single-stage discharge pressures of 70 to 190 psig. The compressor modules are approved for Class I, Division II locations. Each module is factory built and tested and includes the compressor and motor, oil cooler/fan, full oil charge, two-stage oil separation and pressure and temperature shutdowns, as well as a variable speed drive where applicable. “The electrically-driven compressor module delivers the advantages of electric compression, with low maintenance and long, trouble-free runtime,” states McCormick, “With Copeland Scroll compression technology, producers can now cost-effectively use and benefit from electric scroll compression at remote sites by utilizing either grid power or industrial engine generators.”This new compression solution has been successfully introduced to the field operations of numerous oil producers, such as EnCana, Conoco Phillips, Nexen, Husky Energy and Devon Energy. Emerson is currently authorizing a select network of regional packagers to work directly with Copeland to apply the product in the field. In working directly with packagers, Emerson is able to ensure that the Copeland Scroll compressors are properly applied and packaged to meet the unique needs of each oil and gas basin. The first US packages are scheduled for installation in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Utah in May and June 2005. In addition, Emerson plans to launch the first scroll compression trials in the Middle East in June/July, 2005. Emerson will continue to work directly with producers to understand their operational challenges and future technology needs. Future Copeland Scroll models are being planned, including models with higher flow-rates, 300-plus psig discharge ratings, and increased tolerance to sour gas and hydrocarbons.Emerson pioneered the practical application of scroll technology in compressor design beginning in the late 1980s. The renowned success of Copeland Scroll technology in air conditioning and refrigeration applications, as well as natural gas applications, makes it an ideal choice for oil and gas producers seeking a low maintenance, flexible and reliable package. For more information, visit www.Emersonprocess.com/copeland .About Emerson Process ManagementEmerson Process Management, an Emerson business, is a leader in helping businesses automate their production, processing and distribution in the oil and gas, refining, chemical, pulp and paper, power, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and other industries. Copeland is the world’s leading compressor manufacturer and is headquartered in Sidney, Ohio. Copeland’s technology and innovation play a key role in Emerson’s combining of industry specific engineering, consulting, project management and maintenance services. Emerson brands include PlantWeb®, Copeland Scroll®, Fisher®, Micro Motion®, Rosemount®, Daniel®, DeltaV™, Ovation® and AMS™ Suite.About EmersonEmerson (NYSE: EMR), based in St. Louis, is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and appliance and tools businesses. Sales in fiscal 2004 were $15.6 billion. For more information, visit www.GoToEmerson.com. PlantWeb, Copeland Scroll, Fisher, Micro Motion, Rosemount, Daniel, Delta V, Ovation and AMS are marks of Emerson Process Management. Other marks are property of their respective owners.

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