What happens at a compressor station?
The compressor station, also called a pumping station, is the “engine” that powers a long-distance natural gas pipeline. As the name implies, the station compresses the gas (increasing its pressure) thereby providing energy to move it through the pipeline.
Do gas pipelines make noise?
Gas pipelines create a phenomenon of low and extra-low frequency soundwaves that occur in the communities they transverse caused by the operations of high pressure natural gas transmission systems. These noises are know as “flutter” and “hum.”
What is the purpose of compressor station?
Compressor stations are an integral part of the natural gas pipeline network that moves natural gas from individual producing well sites to end users. As natural gas moves through a pipeline, distance, friction, and elevation differences slow the movement of the gas, and reduce pressure.
How loud is a compressor station?
Richard Wheatley, a spokesman for Kinder Morgan, TGP’s parent company, told The Recorder that compressor stations comply with federal noise regulations, with a maximum day-night weighted average of 55 decibels — about as loud as a conversation or an air conditioner.
Why does my pipeline make noise?
Usually, banging noises in the pipes come from a problem with water pressure or water flow. Two of the most common causes are water hammers and trapped air bubbles. Water hammers can also result in a series of smaller bangs in your pipes. Air can become trapped in your pipes due to issues in the water line.
What does the hum sound like?
The classic description of the Hum is that it sounds like a truck engine idling. For some, it’s a distant rumbling or droning noise. It can start and stop suddenly or wax and wane over time. It was written in 2004 by geoscientist David Deming (who’s also a Hum hearer).
How are compressor stations part of the natural gas pipeline?
Compressor stations are an integral part of the natural gas pipeline network that moves natural gas from individual producing well sites to end users. Figure 1. A separator filters out liquids, solids, and other particulate matter that may be in the gas stream.
Which is larger a compressor station or transmission line?
Compressor station yards for gathering lines are often larger than transmission line compressors due to multiple pipelines coming into the complex, and in some cases, additional equipment needed to filter and remove liquids from the gas stream (Figure 3).
How are compressor stations regulated in the state of Pennsylvania?
Gathering lines are regulated at the state level and compressor stations that are part of a gathering system are also regulated by the state. In Pennsylvania, the Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) is responsible for environmental permitting and regulation during gathering system compressor planning and construction.
