Patent ID: 9284831
Filing Date: 2016-03-15
CPC Classification: E21B

Claim Text:
1. A method of operating a subsea compression system comprising a compressor, a pump and a separator, the compressor operable for compressing gas and the pump operable for pressurizing liquid that is separated, in the separator, from a bi-phase well stream received in the compression system, the method comprising: arranging the compressor in a gas feed line from the separator; providing a gas return line connecting a discharge side of the compressor with an intake side of the compressor; arranging a turbo-expander unit in flow connection with the gas return line; arranging the pump in a liquid feed line from the separator; connecting the turbo-expander unit drivingly to the pump; and operating the pump using the turbo-expander unit being driven b compressed gas circulated from the compressor discharge side to the compressor intake side.