Sundyne Expands LF-2000 Centrifugal Compressor Line to Address the Needs of Carbon Capture, LNG and other Markets

Sundyne LF-2000 centrifugal compressors are high-pressure, low-flow, multi-stage machines with a proven impeller and rotor assembly design that is backed by 700 million hours of field operation. Designed to meet API-617 and related standards for mission-critical applications, the LF-2000 family’s modular design allows for space-savings and easy installation, while also maximizing operational flexibility with up to six compression stages on a single gearbox.

Sundyne has expanded the LF-2000 compressor line with a larger gearbox and handle inlet flanges up to 18” and flow rates up to 22,000 Am³/hr. The compressor is also now offered in a fit-for-purpose packaged layout that is specifically designed to meet the needs of the carbon capture market.

This extension of the LF-2000 family features a larger first-stage casing that can double the previous Sundyne compressor capacity and address up to 450 ktpa CO₂ services. It includes the right metallurgy and design features to optimize performance and efficiency with wet-CO₂, dry-CO₂ and sCO₂ – such as customized rotating speeds for each impeller (up to 6 stages), intercooling between each stage to generate heat-recovery, and variable inlet guide vanes (IGV) control. Sundyne’s high speed centrifugal design allows for a compact footprint, which is ideal for carbon capture unit additions at existing industrial facilities, where plot space can be limited.

Sundyne’s CO₂ compressor package is suitable for any customer evaluating carbon capture to manage their site’s emissions – including hydrogen production, natural gas processing, power generation, industrial manufacturing or specialty chemical production. Sundyne’s standardized LF-2000 compressor package configuration includes all process & auxiliary systems. This package is built and delivered in ready-for-operation modules or can be engineered-to-order to meet any site-specific needs.

The expanded LF-2000 compressor also serves other markets beyond carbon capture. Sundyne’s LF-2000 can be built “fit-for-purpose” with minimal specification overlay for industrial applications, or it can be fully API-compliant for oil & gas operations, such as small-scale LNG refrigerants, Ethanol-to-Jet production, mole sieve dehydration, feed gas, vapor recovery or vapor recompression services.

“Corporate commitments to reduce emissions, policy support and advancements in technology are all driving investment in carbon capture projects, and Sundyne is actively engaged in the research & development that’s needed to address carbon capture requirements,” said Sundyne’s Compressor Product Line Manager Gregory Junot.  “For decades, thousands of Sundyne LF-2000 compressors have been deployed either offshore or onshore, in refineries, utilities and chemical plants – and today, many of these facilities seek to reduce their carbon emissions. Sundyne’s fit-for-purpose CO2 compressor leverages everything we’ve learned from prior LF-2000 deployments, and the latest configuration is specifically optimized to address CCUS applications.”

Our compressors are sized for optimum performance by combining operating speed with impeller and diffuser geometries, maximizing efficiency through advanced computer optimization techniques. Each impeller running at optimized flow coefficient and tip-speed delivers the best efficiency at each stage of compression.

Our integrally-geared technology accommodates multiple services with side stream injection or extraction, including intercooling between each and every impeller.

By leveraging Sundyne’s extensive expertise in low flow-coefficient aerodynamics, we ensure higher reliability and an optimized Total Cost of Ownership compared to competing technologies. This technology is particularly crucial for high molecular weight gases and high pressure-ratio services, where the actual volume flow rate decreases rapidly across stages.

Compression from 22,000 m³/h down to 100 m³/h

Our Dry Gas Seals (DGS) deliver oil-free compression, tailored to your specific applications for optimal reliability, safety and performance. We are committed to providing the latest technologies to reduce emissions, including optional API 692 compliance and custom solutions for unique applications. Available in both uni-directional and bi-directional designs, our seals support single, double or tandem arrangements, including carbon rings and labyrinth configurations. Our design allows for future field conversion without modifying the compressor casing.

Our replaceable diffusers enable easy rerating of the compressor within the existing casing and can be conveniently converted in the field.

Variable Inlet Guide Vanes (IGV) feature multiple triangular-shaped vanes that direct process gas into the compressor, creating a “pre-swirled” effect. This reduces the work required from the main driver and enhances process control over the operating map. As the vanes close, directional flow increases, reducing stress on the impeller compared to other control methods. This makes inlet guide vanes more efficient during low capacity operation. Sundyne IGVs are easily retrofittable on existing units in the field, optimizing performance without impacting the compressor casing.

Our integrally-geared technology optimizes speed for each impeller and accommodates multiple services with side stream injection or extraction, including intercoolers between impellers. Our gearbox features carbon steel housings, AGMA Quality 13 gears and an integral pinion design that meets API 617 vibration levels. The internal lube oil distribution and compressor case mounting allow for the removal of the gearbox top-housing without affecting any piping. Our high-speed rotor is supported by radial tilting pad bearings, designed to eliminate all vibration and ensure superior operating stability. The horizontally-split bearings enable easy removal and replacement without disturbing the impeller or seals, facilitating smooth inspections and maintenance.

Provided as standard, the hirth attachment increases transmittable torque, reduces mechanical stress and ensures repeatable rotor balance upon reassembly for maintenance.

Our high-speed rotor is supported by radial tilting pad bearings, designed to eliminate detrimental vibration and ensure superior operating stability. Our high-speed thrust bearings efficiently transfer high axial loads from rotating shafts with minimal power loss, simplifying installation and maintenance. These bearings enhance control over axial tolerances, improving impeller clearance and resulting in higher aerodynamic efficiency. Our high-speed thrust bearings allow for compressor start-up against high settle-out pressure without depressurization of the process loop. Optional riding rings are available upon request.

For maximum reliability, Sundyne recommends a purge to keep dirt and humidity out of the gearbox, especially during non-operation. This small investment ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Vibration and temperature probes are installed to monitor rotor-dynamics and bearing performance, enhancing safety, efficiency and long-term operation. Monitoring systems and API-670 standard compliance are available upon request.

• Performance Tests: All Sundyne compressors are tested, stage-by-stage or section-by-section on our test bench, in accordance with ASME PTC10 standards.
• Mechanical Run Tests: are conducted on our rotating equipment to verify mechanical integrity, check bearing performance, identify defects before deployment and ensure compliance of the compressor.
• Complete Unit Test: For highly critical projects, a full string test can be proposed to verify the complete integrity of the package, including all sub-systems (LOS, SGP, Motor, UCP, etc...)

Our specially designed dynamic, contactless dry gas seals prevent process gas from escaping into the atmosphere, eliminating mechanical wear. The Seal Gas System can be skid-mounted or panel-mounted and is designed for compliance to API-614 or API-692. This ensures potential unlimited operation by conditioning the seal gas under all operating conditions, including transient, shutdown and startup phases. Seal leakages are controlled and monitored along their routing to a safe area. A seal recovery system is available upon request and can be adapted for field conversion.

Customized upon request, the Sundyne integrated lube oil system supplies oil to the compressor and driver bearings, as well as the gears. The main lube oil pump is typically shaft-driven, eliminating the need for a rundown tank. Purged seals on gearbox shafts prevent oil contamination. The lube oil console can be a standalone unit or mounted directly on the compressor’s structural steel bases to facilitate and expedite further site erection work. Compliance with API-614 standards is a typical request that Sundyne is accustomed to meeting.

• Oil-Free & Pulsation-Free: No contamination of process gas – clean, reliable compression
• Efficient for Low Flow / High Pressure Ratio Applications: Ideal alternative to traditional volumetric compressors
• Proven Centrifugal Reliability: Up to 7 years uninterrupted service
• No spare installed unit required
• Versatile & Flexible: Supports multiple services on a single multi-stage machine – including side streams
• Compact & Integrated Design: Single skid package with no external gearings. Fewer impellers than single-shaft = fewer spare parts, easier maintenance.

For more information on Sundyne’s product fit in Clean Energy Markets, refer to our other clean energy brochures:

Green and Blue Ammonia Production

Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Renewable Diesel 

Clean Hydrogen Value Chain

Carbon Capture and Storage

Sundyne World Headquarters
14845 W. 64th Ave.  |  Arvada, CO 80007 USA  |  +1 303-425-0800  |  www.sundyne.com