The Advantages & Potential of CSU Technology
Feasibility Study
From July to September 2019, Straen Energy conducted an extensive feasibility study to evaluate and validate the concept behind the Compact Separation and Compression Unit (CSU). The aim was to investigate the technology’s technical and economic feasibility and to optimize its performance under demanding operational conditions.
CSU technology provides approximately 50% cost reduction compared to compact compressor systems.
Main Objectives of the Study
Concept verification
Development of a base model to demonstrate the functionality and operation of the CSU based on the client’s design specifications.
Energy savings
Optimization through near-isothermal compression to reduce energy consumption compared to traditional compressor technologies.
Selection of driving fluid
Evaluation of water alternatives, including glycols, to minimize water content in export gas and simplify the gas-drying process.
Oil stabilization
Assessment of methods for removing gas from the third-stage separator to achieve stabilized oil.
Bottleneck identification
Identification of design and operational limitations and potential areas for improvement.
Platform design
Investigation of the feasibility of implementing CSU technology in unmanned production facilities.
Cost and weight analysis
Comparison of size, weight, and cost between traditional compression systems and CSU technology.
Simulation
Method of Simulation
The study used dynamic simulations through K-Spice from Kongsberg Digital—an advanced simulation tool combining thermodynamics, numerical solutions, and a user-friendly interface. K-Spice was used to support all project and operational phases and provided detailed analysis of system performance and optimization.
Gas needed to be dried at a pressure below 160 bar in accordance with the operator’s specifications.
Design parameters
Oil Production: 5000 Sm³/d
Gas Production: 1.5 MSm³/d
Selection of driving fluid
Oil stabilization
Bottleneck identification
Platform design
Cost and weight analysis
Conclusion of the Study
The feasibility study conducted with K-Spice from Kongsberg Digital confirms that CSU technology represents a substantial technological advancement. The study demonstrates significant improvements in cost efficiency, energy efficiency, and reduced system weight and complexity.
CSU has the potential to transform the way gas and liquid handling is performed in the oil and gas industry—particularly in demanding offshore environments.
Energy savings
The study showed that using glycol as the driving fluid reduced the water content in the gas during compression and contributed to near-isothermal compression, resulting in significant energy savings compared to traditional compressor technologies.
Cost savings
CSU technology provides approximately 50% cost reduction compared to compact compressor systems.
Reduction in weight and size
The CSU module weighs approximately 170 tons and offers a significantly smaller footprint than traditional solutions, while still maintaining high performance.
Environmental improvements
Optimal use of water as the driving fluid reduces emissions and enhances the overall sustainability of the process.
Explore the remarkable benefits of CSU technology
The Carbon Compression & Seperation Unit (CSU) unit provides a compact, lightweight platform that combines superior process safety standards with lower costs and reduced carbon footprint.
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