The first domestically developed high-sulfur natural gas compression unit in China underwent 500 hours of industrial testing at Station 101 of the Puguang Gas Field in Sichuan

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China’s first high-sulfur natural gas compression unit, independently developed by Sinopec Petroleum Machinery Co., Ltd., recently underwent a 500-hour industrial test at Station 101 of the Puguang gas field in Sichuan. During the enhanced production phase, the maximum discharge volume of this station reached 409,900 cubic meters per day, allowing for an additional daily gas production of 86,500 cubic meters. The compression units operated safely and stably, with all performance metrics exceeding the design requirements; in particular, the vibration levels were at an excellent level, ensuring that the units could operate properly. This marks a breakthrough by petrochemical machinery in overcoming key core technical challenges, making the company the first in China to master the technology for developing and applying high-sulfur compressors. 　　It is reported that compressors with high sulfur content require high levels of corrosion resistance, sealing performance, and safety; they represent the high-end category of natural gas compressors, and previously relied on imports. Petrochemical machinery adheres to the principle of ensuring a stable supply of energy. It has overcome various challenges related to structural design, corrosion-resistant materials, welding techniques, and overall machine testing, thereby mastering the core technologies and independent intellectual property rights necessary for developing high-sulfur compressors. It has solved issues related to corrosion resistance, leak prevention, safety, and reliability, and was the first in China to develop and manufacture compressors suitable for operation in natural gas environments containing more than 8% hydrogen sulfide. 　　During the on-site commissioning of the high-sulfur compressors, two engineers from Petrochemical Machinery worked in shifts 24 hours a day to accelerate the commissioning and monitoring processes, as well as to promptly identify and address any issues with the units. Before conducting a no-load test, they carefully checked the startup procedure of the compressor unit, ensured that the oil system was functioning properly, verified the tightness of bolts in all areas, checked the clearance of bearing shells, and adjusted the alignment of the motor. They also performed individual tests on each valve, and used nitrogen to check for leaks in all components, to ensure that the conditions for a no-load operation were met. During the 72-hour load testing period of the compressor, they kept detailed records of the unit’s operation, conducting inspections every 2 hours, which ensured the success of the on-site industrial test. During the 500-hour industrial test of the high-sulfur natural gas compression unit, staff carried out 24/7 monitoring and inspections of the unit, carefully measuring and recording various real-time parameters such as current, temperature, pressure, and vibration, in order to provide data support for its future use. 　　The promotion and application of domestically produced high-sulfur compressor units will provide essential equipment support for the development, stable production, and increased output of acid gas fields in China.