Brochure

Technologically advanced and work-proven
API 618 machines that reliably enable the
economies of scale needed for commercial
LDPE plant success.
Booster primary
There are more than 100 GE Oil & Gas compressors currently
operating worldwide for this critical application. Our booster
primary compressor designs merge 40 years of experience in both
LDPE and large hydrocrackers – resulting in our state-of-the-art HG
high-power frame with up to 10 cylinders.
We also provide our customers with unmatched in-house
capabilities for the design and supply of all main process
equipment (process gas coolers and separators), interconnecting
piping, process gas control and block valves and associated
instrumentation, as well as layout and pipe-routing studies.
Secondary compressor
There are currently more than 50 GE Oil & Gas ethylene
hypercompressors installed worldwide, with a proven plant
capability of 500 kty and the largest installed power with a 33-MW
electric motor.
Key features include the unique frame design that eliminates the
auxiliary crosshead, fatigue-resistant cylinder bore diameters and
flow distribution on more cylinders. These and others combine to
ensure minimal pulsation, low vibration and smooth operation that
in turn contribute to longer life of the most highly stressed parts
such as packing cups and cylinder valves.
Acoustic plant simulation
When designing compression plants with reciprocating
compressors, special consideration must be given to the effects
of pressure and flow pulsations in order to achieve performance
targets and avoid discontinuous gas flow from the cylinders.
Since 1965, we have conducted comprehensive compression-
system simulations, including precise analyses of pulsations and
interactions between compressor and piping system. To ensure
optimal reliability and efficiency of the whole LDPE plant, our study
includes primary-booster compressor, hypercompressor, reactor,
vessels and all interconnecting piping.
The average size of an LDPE plant has more than doubled in the last
decade, and plant configurations have changed significantly from strictly
processing to fully integrated export-oriented complexes. Modern facilities are
characterized by operating pressures up to 3,500 bar and highly fouling fluids
that put extreme demands on compressor reliability and availability, and in fact
are some of the most exacting challenges in the entire oil and gas industry.
With over a century of proven experience in compressor design, GE Oil & Gas
is a leading manufacturer of machines for the most extreme LDPE applications
– both booster primary and secondary hypercompressor duty. We also provide
comprehensive lifecycle support through a dedicated Global Services network of
experts, test and repair facilities around the world.
Our design and manufacturing philosophies focus on highest guaranteed reliability, ease of
maintenance and maximum plant availability. This commitment to customers is exemplified by our in-
house manufacturing line exclusively for LDPE hypercompressors, which ensures the highest quality and
consistency of all critical components.
GE Oil & Gas
Low Density Polyethylene
(LDPE) Compressors