Fuel gas booster compressors provide gaseous fuel (natural gas, bio-gas, or similar) to a gas turbine or piston type engine. These engines operate best with a steady supply of fuel gas at a constant pressure. The fuel gas booster system shown in the following diagram provides a steady supply of fuel gas at a constant pressure by using two tanks and a back pressure control valve (also called a back pressure regulator).
Depending on the compression ratio required, single- or two-stage compressors can be used in this system. For compression ratios of 5:1 or less, single-stage compressors are typically used. Higher than 5:1 compression ratios require two-stage compressors.
Air cooled or water cooled intercoolers & aftercoolers can be used depending on the availability of cooling water at the site.
Pulsation dampening is not required for the compressor, but the regulators, gas meters, and engines work best with minimal gas pulsations. In addition to providing tank storage, the tanks protect these pulsation-sensitive components by dampening pulsations generated by the gas compressor.
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