Noise from Natural Gas Compressor Stations

This paper describes how, after natural gas is brought to the surface and processed, it is moved through a vast network of pipelines that utilize a system of compressor stations and pressure regulators, which either send the gas to transmission lines, or inject the gas back into the ground for storage. A compressor station will consist of one or more natural gas-powered or electric-powered engines that drive one or more compressors and fans that force ambient air through a heat exchanger. The engines and compressors (and sometimes the fans) are often housed in an enclosure. Compressor stations are most often located in quiet, rural areas where noise produced by these stations is a concern. The compressor station owners seek to ensure that noise from these stations does not disturb nearby residents. This paper describes a process for calculating compression station noise levels and also illustrates the process using an example where a gas producer planned to install a compressor station in a noise-sensitive rural area. This paper addresses the needs of the producer in (1) determining if the noise emission from the proposed unit will meet the local noise ordinance, and if not, (2) what could be done to ensure that the noise emission will meet the noise ordinance.

• Corporate Authors:

  Institute of Noise Control Engineering

  Iowa State University, 210 Marston Hall
  Ames, IA  United States  50011-2153

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Moreland, James
  • Hanson, Mark
• Conference:
  • Noise-Con 04. The 2004 National Conference on Noise Control Engineering
  • Location: Baltimore Maryland, United States
  • Date: 2004-7-12 to 2004-7-14
• Publication Date: 2004

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: CD-ROM
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 620-626
• Monograph Title: Noise-Con 04. The 2004 National Conference on Noise Control Engineering

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air compressors; Compressed natural gas; Compressors; Engine fans; Natural gas; Noise control; Noise sources; Pipeline facilities; Pipelines; Sound transmission
• Uncontrolled Terms: Electric engines
• Subject Areas: Design; Environment; Pipelines; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01054321
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Jul 25 2007 2:41PM