Jeff Weber

The Frick 3524 refrigeration compressor, specifically the Frick SGCB 3524 rotary screw compressot, plays a vital role in midstream operations. This massive 355mm twin-screw compressor is utilized in processing, transporting, and storing natural gas and natural gas liquids
NGL Extraction & Dew Point Control
The most common application for the Frick 3524 in midstream is process refrigeration inside gas processing plants.
• The Process: Midstream facilities use refrigeration loops—typically fueled by propane or propylene—to chill raw natural gas down to sub-zero temperatures.
This chilling condenses and separates heavy hydrocarbons (like ethane, propane, butane, and pentane) from the methane stream.
With a huge volume displacement capacity (delivering roughly 6,402 CFM at 3,550 RPM), the Frick 3524 acts as the high-stage or booster compressor that continuously cycles the refrigerant to maintain these deep-freeze temperatures.
2. Vapor Recovery Units (VRU)
At midstream storage terminals, tank farms, and pipeline junctions, light hydrocarbons continuously evaporate from crude oil or condensate storage tanks.
• The Frick 3524 is used in Vapor Recovery Units (VRUs) to capture these low-pressure vent gases.
• It compresses the recovered vapors so they can be routed into a pipeline or sent back to a processing unit instead of being flared, preventing environmental emissions and avoiding product loss. [1]
3. Wellhead Compression and Gas Gathering
Though sometimes handled by dedicated field-gas units (like the Frick NGC line), large-scale centralized gathering stations leverage the industrial-strength SGCB 3524 to manage high-volume, low-pressure gas. It compresses gas gathered from multiple field lines to boost its pressure enough to travel down midstream transmission pipelines.
Engineering Advantages
Midstream operations run 24/7/365 and feature highly fluctuating gas volumes. The Frick 3524 is favored because of several built-in design features:
• Variable Volume Ratio (Vi Control): The Frick 3524 features a hydraulically actuated slide stop that dynamically adjusts the internal volume ratio (from a Vi of 2.4 to 4.5). In midstream, pipeline pressures fluctuate constantly; matching the compressor's internal pressure to the line's pressure eliminates the severe power penalties of under- or over-compression.
• Stepless Capacity Control: It utilizes an internal slide valve providing infinite, stepless unloading capacity (down to 26% of full load for the Frick 3524 model). This allows the midstream plant to handle huge swings in gas flow without having to shut down or short-cycle the equipment.
• No-Pump Reliability: Because it utilizes high-end antifriction roller and ball bearings, the system's differential gas pressure is normally enough to circulate oil. Eliminating a mechanical oil pump removes a primary point of mechanical failure, ensuring an L₁₀ bearing life in excess of 100,000 hours.
If this Frick 3524 refrigeration compressor might be suitable for your midstream operations contact Jeff Weber for details on an inspection and possible purchase.

Contact Jeff for more details, to inspect, and or discuss pricing.
jeff@jeffweber.net
land line 302-231-1880
USA mobile-wahts ap 937-789-5906