GMRC: The History and Future
Gas Machinery Research Council (GMRC), a 50 year old nonprofit corporation and subsidiary of Southern Gas Association was formed in 1952, initially as Southern Gas Association Pulsation Research Council (SGAPRC). The GMRC council was formed to identify technical complications in pipeline compressor stations and resolve them with innovative solutions.
GMRC was formed in the US after World War II, when the pipeline industry saw a rapid growth and that required compressor stations to transport natural gas smoothly. The Arkansas Louisiana Gas Company at that time found complaints with the compressor stations like,
- Piping vibration
- Foundation failures
- Equipment failures
- Poor compressor efficiency
Research was conducted by analysing pipelines during the installation process to solve the above mentioned problems in compressor stations. ‘Acoustic filter concept’ proved to be the best solution by improving the compressor’ efficiency and reducing pipeline vibration.
The council was formed later in San Antonio to research and “conduct analytical studies and develop the mechanical and acoustical methodologies necessary for designing durable compressor piping systems to dampen pulsation involved with reciprocating compressors.” to address the problems in multiple stations.
In 1955, the first pulsation studies were conducted and from then the research and development progressed rapidly. The following process were introduced as a development,
- Introduced mechanical vibration analysis
- Superior engine and compressor indicator to analyse compressor performance
- To measure the effect of pulsation, gas measurement research was made
- Field service to companies was formed
In 1985, the council expanded its research and development program to training courses, software and workshops. The engineers in the council during the workshops contribute their part through papers to educate the emerging engineers in the field and work towards cleaner and efficient natural gas transport. The GMRC research and training programs focus on five major changes in the natural gas industry- regulation, customer behavior, competitors, technology and distribution.
GMRC is expected to contribute nearly three quarter millions of dollars towards research on the ‘core competencies of compression’ in 2020. In 2021, the research program is expected to focus on strategy planning and greenhouse gas emission reduction. The GMRC has included Internet of Things(IoT), data analytics and artificial intelligence in its research program that contributes to the advancement in resting opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emission.
Reference:
https://www.thefreelibrary.com/SGA%27s+Gas+Machinery+Research+Council+described+as+%22research+gem%22.+(50...-a092691634
