Project Description:

SPEC Services, Inc. provided a full range of services to the Southern California Gas Company for the construction of its grass roots, 3250 HP electric motor driven compressor station in Sylmar, California. Services included planning, site selection assistance, system analysis, complete engineering and design, permitting assistance; procurement, construction, and start-up support. A variable frequency drive (VFD) was included in the design of the compressor station to allow variable speed operation to provide the compressor station with the desired operational flexibility and to maximize the compressor station’s electrical efficiency.

A prefabricated powerhouse was also included in the station design which housed the main breaker, electrical metering section, VFD, switch gear, station control system, HMI, fire and gas detection control and monitoring, and the SCADA system. Power for the compressor station is provided by a new 5 MW, 35kV: 4160 V substation built inside the limits of the compressor station by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). The design of the substation was also coordinated by SPEC Services, Inc. This project involved the construction of a compressor seismic foundation; compressor building complete with 2-speed ventilation and exhaust fans, fire and gas detection, and overhead maintenance crane. All station process piping with automated valves and an ESD system, aftercooler, blowdown silencer; lube oil storage and supply system, and waste liquid drain and storage system was also included in the design.

Client Benefits:
• Elimination of internal combustion engine driver exhaust emissions and need for emissions permit.
• Overall system design accommodates wide range of operating conditions (pressure, temperature, flow rate).
• Variable frequency drive lowers owner's power (operating) cost.
• Achieved owner's performance objectives.
• Use of a prefabricated powerhouse with all components preinstalled minimizes on-site work and schedule.