MPAC

INTRODUCING MITSUBISHI COMPRESSOR SMART PACKAGING (MPAC)

In the last decade, oil and gas processing plants in certain parts of the world have been subjected to volatile labor supply and costs, as well as disruption posed by adverse weather events and other external influences. As a result, many oil and gas companies are increasingly focused on minimizing unnecessary onsite work as much as possible. This trend has resulted in an industry-wide shift towards compact equipment designs and modularization.

THE MOVE TO MODULARIZATION 

Modularization involves transferring construction efforts from the jobsite to external fabrication shops in order to achieve a variety of strategic advantages. The shift towards modularization is already well-established in the offshore oil and gas industry, but until recently, there have been few options for onshore applications. Many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) simply offer offshore packages into onshore applications, which may not result in an ideal fit.

In response to this new shift to modularization as it relates to a compressor package and its surrounding process and auxiliary equipment in the downstream oil and gas sector, MHI developed Mitsubishi Compressor Smart Packaging, or MPAC. The key parameters that MPAC improves for the end user are total installation cost, lead time, ease of maintenance, logistical feasibility, construction risk and site restrictions. MHI Compressor’s modularized MPAC includes the entire centrifugal compressor train along with the lubrication and dry gas seal systems on a single skid with all of the associated interconnecting piping and wiring. It is compact enough to be suitable for ground transportation.

The MPAC is specifically designed for onshore applications, such as LNG plants, ethylene and ammonia plants, and other downstream processing facilities where the compressor is introduced into limited spaces in already highly industrialized environments. MHI is building on its global footprint of project experience with ongoing collaboration across MHI’s manufacturing facilities, which span nearly every continent across the globe.

DESIGNED WITH PROCESSING PLANTS IN MIND

Instead of the end user receiving multiple cargo shipments, to assemble at their site, MPAC integrates all packages into one that is fully assembled within MHI Compressor’s facility before it ever reaches the field. The MPAC package is comprised of the main compressor package and the lubrication oil system, which supports it. While the lubrication oil system would typically be supplied as two separate installations with their own foundations, the MPAC integrates it on skid with the main package. The work of connecting all piping and wiring between the two skids is now performed entirely in MHI’s facility before it arrives onsite; simplifying the construction process and freeing up time for the end user.

EASY MAINTENANCE

Most designs of modularized centrifugal compressor packages feature the lubrication oil system positioned on the end of the compressor skid or underneath it. This positioning calls for more complicated piping and challenging maintenance access. Conversely, the MPAC has a unique integrated lubrication oil system tank mounted on the side of the compressor skid package, meaning the lubrication supply is close to all the components of the compressor package, such as the motor, gearbox and the compressor itself. The piping to, and from, the oil reservoir is short and compact. This side-mounted position ensures excellent maintenance access for all the components of the lubrication oil system, including pumps, filters and valves.

MHI COMPRESSOR IN-HOUSE LUBRICATION OIL FLUSHING

Onsite lubrication oil flushing can take anywhere between one to six weeks to complete, depending on the cleanliness of the interconnecting piping at site. This represents a major schedule risk for end users. MHI can perform lubrication oil flushing within its own facility before the equipment goes to site, which removes the associated risk of schedule delays.

SAVING SPACE AND TIME

Customers turn to the MPAC solution to save space in their plants, reduce construction cycle time and to simplify their construction efforts. The many mechanical and safety risks associated with performing onsite installations are also minimized. By integrating all technical assemblies within MHI Compressor’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, end users can be released from the responsibility of performing complex engineering installations and reassured that the end product will work as intended by the OEM.