5 reasons to choose a TMC feed-air (N2) compressor

The N2 feed-air compressor is the backbone of LNG cargo integrity. Make sure its quality reflects what you ask of it. 

When you’re carrying up to 250 000 cubic metres of LNG, you’ve got more than enough on your plate. That’s why we design our compressor for providing as much ease of mind as possible.

Here are five TMC qualities we think you’ll appreciate as an LNG shipowner.

1. The cleanest feed air on the market

Air quality is critical for nitrogen systems. Impurities in the air stream will derate membranes and reduce nitrogen production. Subsequently, the membranes need replacing to meet class requirements. This is a costly replacement that could have easily been avoided. 

TMC‘s patented unique three-stage oil separation system is proven to deliver the cleanest feed air on the market. The stages are:

1. Gravity
2. A high-efficiency cyclone separator
3. An oil-separator filter

Stage 1 of the oil separation system is gravity-driven. Directly after the air end, larger droplets fall into an oil reservoir, and return to the air end.   

Stage 2 is the cyclone separator, where oil particles are ejected from the air stream. It’s a highly efficient process where 99.9 percent of the oil is removed.

The air then continues its journey through stage 3, an in-to-out filter. This solution is unique to TMC compressors, in that the air stream goes from the core and outwards, not the other way around. 

There are numerous benefits to this approach. You reduce the air velocity, prolonging the time of contact between air and filter. Also, the filter is more robust at the core, which means it’s equipped to handle the high initial pressure better than the peripheral filter layers, preventing the filter from collapsing. It also means that the outer layer, where the surface area is the greatest, becomes the final filtration stage. All in all, it translates to a more effective, reliable filter.

2. No condensation in the compressor oil

The environment below deck can be highly challenging. When hot, humid air meets relatively cool oil, condensation occurs. This can have detrimental consequences. 

TMC’s patented thermal mixing valve (TMV) eliminates the risk of condensation. It achieves this by ensuring that the oil temperature is high enough for the water to remain in vapour – at all times. The TMV monitors ambient temperature, outgoing pressure, and oil temperature. Those three parameters tell the TMV what delta T to produce to prevent condensation. 

It also allows the system to run at lower temperatures when the conditions allow it, prolonging the lifespan of both the oil and the downstream components (membranes). TMC’s compressors are dimensioned and tested for continuous operation at 55 ̊ C.

3. Lose the water, not the energy

Water is a big no-no in a nitrogen system. All TMC compressors have cyclone water separators as well as automatic level-controlled drain systems to protect the system’s membranes. 

Conventional water separators use solenoid valves on timers. They keep going irrespective of the water level, and every instance results in a systemic pressure drop – and loss of energy. 

The TMC cyclone separator is different. We have replaced the timer with a level sensor, which is only actuated if the water exceeds the defined threshold. Also, the water is drained by gravity, not by force. It means no compressed air is wasted.

Read more: TMC compressors reduce fuel consumption

4. Unparalleled build quality and service

TMC uses only components—tubes, o-rings, seals, gaskets—with extraordinary durability, specified for high temperatures. Compressor components need to handle tough ambient conditions and internal temperatures reaching as much as 150°C. 

Over the course of a long life, service is sometimes required. A worldwide after sales and service network “TMC Care” is ready to assist you 24/7/365 – wherever you are. We have a dedicated team of service engineers with all necessary authorisations and certificates, ready to travel the globe on short notice from different locations. Our service phone is manned by a service engineer 24/7. Depending on the complexity of the issue, we can either help you remotely or jump on the next plane to assist your crew on board your vessel.

5. A proven track-record

TMC Compressors of the Seas is the world’s leading supplier of feed air compressors for marine and offshore nitrogen systems and the number one choice for shipowners and shipyards worldwide. We have unique expertise in manufacturing screw air compressors for marine nitrogen systems and have supplied more than 20,000 marine and offshore compressors worldwide. 

Read more: DSME chooses TMC Compressors for BW LNG pair