Enron Mail

From:gary.choquette@enron.com
To:ben.asante@enron.com, bob.mcchane@enron.com, john.sturn@enron.com,errol.wirasinghe@enron.com
Subject:San Juan control modifications for fuel savings
Cc:todd.ingalls@enron.com, dale.ratliff@enron.com, team.san-juan@enron.com,team.san-juan-laplata@enron.com, darrell.schoolcraft@enron.com, ron.matthews@enron.com
Bcc:todd.ingalls@enron.com, dale.ratliff@enron.com, team.san-juan@enron.com,team.san-juan-laplata@enron.com, darrell.schoolcraft@enron.com, ron.matthews@enron.com
Date:Wed, 12 Dec 2001 09:44:42 -0800 (PST)

I have spent a significant amount of time reviewing the operations and SCAD=
A on the San Juan lateral over the last couple of weeks. I've uncovered so=
me issues that could significantly reduce fuel consumption on this system. =
Listed in order of priority are:

Resolve La Plata Unit #2 flame-out problem. Currently this unit is running=
in manual control to limit flame-outs. This prevents the station from run=
ning with only one unit at low flow conditions. According to the La Plata =
team, this will require the replacement of the fuel control valve and unit =
control software changes. Running in the manual mode is costing an additio=
nal 550 MSCF/D in fuel plus the extra O&M costs associated with the fired h=
ours on unit #1. The team is expecting the new fuel valve soon but anticip=
ates that they will not get the necessary downtime to install the valve unt=
il after the end of the tariff months. Due to the potential emissions issu=
es associated with its current operating mode, we may have to expedite the =
modifications to this unit.
Auto calculate a suction pressure setpoint for La Plata. There are three f=
low controlled interconnects on the suction side of La Plata. Using the me=
ter run pressures and/or the flow control valve position, we can maximize t=
he suction pressure setpoint to achieve the interconnect flow rates. The h=
igher suction pressure reduces the power required at La Plata with an avera=
ge expected fuel savings of 175 MSCF/D.
Auto calculate a suction pressure setpoint for the Bloomfield Low service s=
imilar to the La Plata modification recommended above. Estimated fuel savi=
ngs of 80 MSCF/D.
Modify the controls at Gallup to enable a quick turndown for a power peak. =
Currently when a power peak is predicted, the Gas Control operators manual=
ly transmit a lower discharge pressure setpoint. It may take a long time f=
or the new setpoint to actually gain control of the unit. The suggested mo=
dification would have the Peak Power alarm I calculate automatically retran=
smitted to the field and unit/station controls were modified to quickly ram=
p down the unit in a controlled manner (minimize recycle and prevent unit t=
rips) to minimum power. Gas Control could then send an override signal tha=
t would allow the unit to operate at higher loads if required. Likewise, i=
f my Peak Power alarm clears automatically, the unit would return back to i=
ts normal process setpoint conditions. Note that if Gas Control overrides =
my alarm, the override needs to latch until my Peak Power alarm clears. Th=
e suction and discharge setpoint rate ramp limiter logic should be modified=
to make them more responsive when they are far from the process values. B=
ob McChane, Todd Ingles, and myself can develop this logic.
Modify the La Plata station control for improved load sharing. Recommend t=
he load share method be based on matching compressor flow range margins. I=
will work with Todd Ingalls to develop the logic and code. This control m=
ethod will ensure both units are operating as close to their high efficienc=
y point as possible and minimize surge recycle.
Modify the station control process setpoints logic at La Plata (Bloomfield,=
Bisti too?) to include rate ramp limiters. Currently, when Gas Control tr=
ansmits a new setpoint, the station accepts the new value and quickly chang=
es operating conditions to try and reach the new setpoint. However, these =
changes may be occurring too fast and may contribute to the flame-out probl=
ems. Again, I will work w/ Todd to develop the controls to achieve this.

In addition, it appears that the Compressor Performance utility would be he=
lpful for the operating personnel in determining when one unit could handle=
all the flows at La Plata. I'll try and package a version that can be ins=
talled locally and send it to Todd Ingalls.

Todd, I looked and I do not have a copy of the existing station control for=
La Plata. Could you please zip it up and send it to me?

Additionally, I finally got a copy of the drawings for the Griffith Interco=
nnect. It appears our flow swings at this point can be reduced significant=
ly by changing the operation of the flow control valve to a downstream pres=
sure control valve with a maximum flow control override. Todd, who is resp=
onsible for the programming of the RTU for this point?

Gary Choquette