Midcoast Energy compressor station starts operations

The SGT-400 compressor package offers a modular configuration for fast deployment, DLE combustion technology for emissions compliance.

A key compressor station at Midcoast Energy’s CJ Express Pipeline recently started operations, a project which will boost the pipeline’s transmission capacity from East Texas to the U.S. Gulf Coast to about 1 Bcf/d. As part of the project, Siemens Energy supplied two SGT-400 mechanically driven RFBB20 compression packages at the station in Grapevine, Texas.

The Grapeland Compressor Station in Texas recently started after the installation of the two compression packages. This is the first application of the SGT-400 15 MW turbine variant in mechanical drive in service in North America.

In February 2020, Midcoast Energy selected Siemens Energy to supply two SGT-400 mechanically driven RFBB20 compression packages for the station. The packages have recently reached commercial operation after a 10-month delivery window.

Along with the supply of the two compressor packages, Siemens Energy announced it signed an eight-year agreement with MidCoast Energy that covers preventative maintenance for the gas turbine units and the pipeline compressors.

Specific services offered include service exchange, a 24/7 technical support, and labor for level II inspections/activities, such as dry gas seal and bearing changeouts. In addition, Siemens Energy will provide digitally-enabled solutions, including Remote Diagnostic Services. The agreement is designed to ensure maximum uptime and return on investment for Midcoast Energy.

Last year, Siemens Gas and Power announced it was selected to supply two SGT-400 mechanical-drive compression packages that are capable of producing a total of 39,000-horsepower for an expansion at an existing compression station. The SGT-400 compressor package includes an integrated gas turbine and centrifugal compressor.

Midcoast Energy announced earlier this year that it signed a firm transportation agreement and natural gas purchase and sales agreement with Golden Pass LNG terminal.

CJ Express added compression and pipeline facilities at multiple locations on Midcoast’s existing East Texas pipeline system. The completed expansion will increase gathering capabilities in the high-growth Shelby Trough area of the Haynesville Shale. CJ Express was anchored by long-term transportation agreements with two shippers.