SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING POWER FROM PRESSURIZED NATURAL GAS

摘要

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and apparatus for generating power from pressurized natural gas. The system may include an on-site pressure turbine for using some of the available energy of the pressurized natural gas to power an air compressor and/or electric generator. The turbine is driven by the expansion of natural gas due to a pressure differential and/or by the velocity of natural gas as it travels through a pipeline. In some embodiments, the turbine output is used to generate compressed air, which is used on-site to power pumps and switches. In some embodiments, the turbine output is used to generate electricity, which is then used on-site to power communications equipment and sensors. In some embodiments, a gear reduction system is used to adapt the turbine output to useful levels.

主权项

1. A system for generating on-site power at a natural gas field, the system comprising:
a natural gas well for extracting natural gas; one or more processing facilities connected to the natural gas well and configured to separate liquids from the natural gas; a natural gas pressure turbine configured to receive the natural gas from the one or more processing facilities and generate mechanical power by expanding the natural gas, wherein the natural gas pressure turbine outputs the natural gas after expansion; an air compressor connected to the natural gas pressure turbine and configured to generate compressed air from the mechanical power; and a distribution system connected to the air compressor, wherein the distribution system provides the compressed air from the air compressor to the one or more processing facilities.