TREA

MODULAR BUILDING STRUCTURE FOR A TURBOMACHINERY EQUIPMENT

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Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20180347175
  • Publication Number
    20180347175
  • Date Filed
    June 01, 2017
    7 years ago
  • Date Published
    December 06, 2018
    5 years ago
Information
Abstract
A modular building structure for a turbomachinery equipment includes a first prefabricated structure, a second prefabricated structure, and a plurality of guides to align and couple the first prefabricated structure to the second prefabricated structure. The first prefabricated structure includes a first rigid frame formed from first linear members, and defines first pin receiving holes. The second prefabricated structure includes a second rigid frame formed from second linear members, and defines second pin receiving holes. Each guide includes a plate having an opening extending through the plate, and an elongated member extending through the opening of the plate. The elongated member includes a first end portion extending inside a corresponding first pin receiving hole and a second end portion extending inside a corresponding second pin receiving hole for coupling the first prefabricated structure with the second prefabricated structure.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to industrial plants. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a modular construction and deployment of an industrial plant housing turbomachinery.


BACKGROUND

Industrial plants housing turbomachinery, such as natural gas compression plants, or oil pumping stations, transport hydrocarbons from one location to another location or may also generate electricity. Such industrial plants are generally constructed in remote locations. However, construction of these plants may require a substantial amount of labor and time.


U.S. Pat. No. 9,115,504 relates to a building structure formed by a plurality of prefabricated interconnectable modular building units. Each unit includes a plurality of nodes interconnectable with other units. To form the building structure, the modular units are assembled at a remote location to a semi-finished state. The semi-finished modular units are transported to a job site and assembled to form the building structure.


SUMMARY

In accordance with an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a modular building structure for operating a turbomachinery equipment. The modular building structure includes a first prefabricated structure having a first rigid frame formed from a plurality of first linear members. The first rigid frame defines a plurality of first pin receiving holes. The modular building structure also includes a second prefabricated structure having a second rigid frame formed from a plurality of second linear members. The second rigid frame defines a plurality of second pin receiving holes. The modular building structure further includes a plurality of guides to align and couple the first prefabricated structure to the second prefabricated structure. Each guide includes a plate and an elongated member. The plate has an opening extending through the plate. The elongated member extends through the opening of the plate, and includes a first end portion extending inside a corresponding first pin receiving hole and a second end portion extending inside a corresponding second pin receiving hole for coupling the first prefabricated structure with the second prefabricated structure.


In accordance with another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a prefabricated structure for a modular building structure for operating turbomachinery equipment. The prefabricated structure includes a rigid frame formed from a plurality of linear members. The rigid frame is a cuboidal structure and has a plurality of corners. Further, the rigid frame defines a plurality of first pin receiving holes at the plurality of corners. The prefabricated structure further includes a plurality of guides configured to align and couple the prefabricated structure to another prefabricated structure. Each guide includes a plate and an elongated member. The plate has an opening extending through the plate. The elongated member extending through the opening of the plate and including a first end portion being inserted inside a corresponding first pin receiving hole for attaching the prefabricated structure with the another prefabricated structure.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS


FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplary gas compression plant having a modular building structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;



FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of the exemplary gas compression plant having the modular building structure housing a turbomachinery equipment, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;



FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the exemplary gas compression plant having the modular building structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure:



FIG. 4 illustrates a first prefabricated structure and a second prefabricated structure of the modular building structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;



FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the guide and pin receiving holes for coupling vertical members of the first prefabricated structure and the second prefabricated structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;



FIG. 6 illustrates a section view depicting an assembly of vertical members of the first prefabricated structure and the second prefabricated structure using the guide, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;



FIG. 7 illustrates the first prefabricated structure depicting panels attached to the first rigid frame forming a sidewall of the first prefabricated structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;



FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary interior of the gas compression plant, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;



FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a prefabricated structure used as an equipment room module, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;



FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a prefabricated structure used as a heating and ventilation module, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;



FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a prefabricated structure used as a temporary workspace module; in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;



FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a prefabricated structure used as a seal gas treatment module; in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure; and



FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a prefabricated structure used as a fuel gas treatment module; in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.





DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1. FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, a front view, a plan view, and a side view of an exemplary modular gas compression plant 100 (sometimes hereinafter referred as gas compression plant 100 having a modular building structure 200 that houses a turbomachinery equipment 400 such as a compressor is shown. Though a gas compression plant is used for explanatory purposes, exemplary implementations are not limited to a gas compression plant and may alternatively include other types of facilities that might be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. For example, other implementations may include a natural gas burning power generation facility for generating electricity, a pumping station for delivering oil or gasoline through a pipeline or any other facility.


Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the modular building structure 200 may include a plurality of prefabricated structures, for example, a first prefabricated structure 102 and a second prefabricated structure 102′. The modular building structure 200 may also include a plurality of guides 106 (shown in FIG. 4) that facilitate an alignment and a connection between the first prefabricated structure 102 and the second prefabricated structure 102′. Further, the modular building structure 200 includes other components that pertain to a functioning of the gas compression plant 100.


The first prefabricated structure 102 may include a first rigid frame 104 configured to support the other components of the gas compression plant 100. The first rigid frame 104 may include a cuboidal structure that is formed by assembling a plurality of first linear members 108, 110. The plurality of first linear members 108, 110 include vertical members 108, and horizontal members 110. Referring to FIG. 4, the cuboidal structure of the first rigid frame 104 may be formed by assembling a plurality of rectangular structures, for example, a first rectangular structure 112 and a second rectangular structure 114. Each rectangular structure 112, 114 may be formed from vertical members 108 and horizontal members 110 arranged in a rectangular configuration. Although two rectangular structures are contemplated, the first prefabricated structure 102 may include additional rectangular structures arranged in between the first rectangular structure 112 and the second rectangular structure 114. Additionally, the rectangular structures may be connected to each other by other horizontal members 110, thereby forming the cuboidal structure. The vertical and horizontal members 108, 110 may be formed from steel or other iron alloy to provide sufficient strength and rigidity to allow construction of the first prefabricated structure 102.


Further, the first rigid frame 104 includes a plurality of first corners 118. The plurality of first corners 118 are defined as the corners of the cuboidal structure of the first rigid frame 104. Further, the first rigid frame 104 defines a plurality of first pin receiving holes 120 defined at the plurality of first corners 118. In some implementations, each first corner 118 of the first rigid structure 104 includes a single first pin receiving hole 120. Therefore, in an embodiment, the first rigid frame 104 includes eight first pin receiving holes 120, although in certain scenarios, every first corner 118 may not include the first pin receiving hole 120. Therefore, a lesser number of first pin receiving holes 120 in the first rigid frame 104 may also be contemplated. In some implementations, the first pin receiving holes 120 are formed at end faces 122 (see FIG. 5) of the vertical members 108 of the rectangular structures 112, 114. In some other implementations, when additional rectangular structures are applied in between the rectangular structures 112, 114, the first pin receiving holes 120 may also be formed at the end faces of the vertical members 108 of those additional rectangular structures. Therefore, the first rigid frame 104 may include a higher number of first pin receiving holes 120. In certain implementations, the first rigid frame 104 may include reinforcement members 126 (see examples marked in FIG. 4) to provide rigidity and strength to the first rigid frame 104. Such reinforcement members 126 may be positioned (by welding for example) in between adjacent/successive linear members 108, 110 arranged at edges formed by the cuboidal structure of the first rigid frame 104.


The second prefabricated structure 102′ may be similar in form (and function) as the first prefabricated structure 102, and thus has a cuboidal structure. Accordingly, the second prefabricated structure 102′ also includes a second rigid frame 104′ (similar to the first rigid frame 104) having a plurality of second linear members 108′, 110′, a third rectangular structure 112′ and a fourth rectangular structure 114′ (similar to rectangular structures 112, 114, respectively), a plurality of second corners 118′ (similar to first corners 118), second pin receiving holes 120′ (similar to first pin receiving holes 120 at the corresponding second corners 118′), and reinforcement members 126′, as have been described for the first rigid frame 104 of the first prefabricated structure 102.


Referring to FIG. 5, each guide 106 of the plurality of guides 106 includes a plate 130 and an elongated member 132 that forms the alignment pin. The plate 130 includes an opening 134 extending through the plate 130. The elongated member 132 forming the alignment pin is a tube shaped member, although a solid shaft and/or a shaft with a varied cross-section may be contemplated. The elongated member 132 is configured to extend through the opening 134 of the plate 130. The elongated member 132 includes a first end portion 138 and a second end portion 140. The first end portion 138 is configured to extend inside a corresponding first pin receiving hole 120 and the second end portion 140 extends inside a corresponding second pin receiving hole 120′ for coupling the first prefabricated structure 102 to the second prefabricated structure 102′. In one embodiment, the plate 130 is integrally formed with the elongated member 132. In some implementations, the elongated member 132 is inserted into the opening 134 and press-fitted with the plate 130.


The guide 106 may also include a spacer plate 150. The spacer plate 150 may include an aperture 152. In one example, the aperture 152 of the spacer plate 150 is of the size of the opening 134 formed in the plate 130. In certain implementations, the aperture 152 is a slotted hole (shown in FIG. 5), and thereby the spacer plate 150 may function as a shim. In assembly, if it were required to position the first prefabricated structure 102 away from the second prefabricated structure 102′, at a specified distance, the spacer plate 150 may be applied in between the first prefabricated structure 102 and the second prefabricated structure 102′. In such a case, the spacer plate 150 may have a width (or thickness) that may equal the specified distance. In assembly, therefore, the spacer plate 150 is disposed between the first rigid frame 104 and the second rigid frame 104′. Also, in assembly, the elongated member 132 is inserted through the aperture 152. In some embodiments, the specified distance between the first rigid frame 104 and the second rigid frame 104′ may not be required, and thus, in certain implementations, a use of the spacer plate 150 may be altogether omitted.


Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the modular building structure 200 may further include one or more connector plates 160 to secure/couple the first prefabricated structure 102 with the second prefabricated structure 102′. As shown, each connector plate 160 may be coupled with the horizontal members 110 of the first prefabricated structure 102 and with the horizontal member 110′ of the second prefabricated structure 102′. The connector plates 160 may be coupled to the horizontal members 110, 110′ by fasteners 162. In such cases, the connector plates 160 secure/couple the first prefabricated structure 102 and the second prefabricated structure 102′ in a vertical stacking arrangement. In some implementations, the connector plates 160 may be coupled to an upper end of the prefabricated structures 102, 102′.


In some implementations, one or more connector plates 160 are coupled with vertical members 108 of the first prefabricated structure 102 and the vertical members 108′ of the second prefabricated structure 102′. In such cases, the connector plates 160 secure/couple the first prefabricated structure 102 and the second prefabricated structure 102′ in a side by side arrangement. In some implementation, the connector plates 160 may come preassembled with one of the prefabricated structures 102, 102′ and coupled with the other prefabricated structures 102, 102′ at the construction site or job site.


In some implementations, the prefabricated structures 102, 102′ may include anchor bolt brackets 170 for connecting the prefabricated structures 102, 102′ to a concrete foundation. The anchor bolt bracket 170 may include one or more anchor bolts 172 coupled to the prefabricated structures 102, 102′, and may be configured to fix the prefabricated structures 102, 102′ with the concrete foundation. In some implementations, the anchor bolt brackets 170 may be disposed at a lower end of the prefabricated structures 102, 102′. In certain implementation, the anchor bolt brackets 170 may come preassembled with the prefabricated structures 102, 102′. Alternatively, the anchor bolt brackets 170 may be coupled at the construction site, and coupled to only those prefabricated structures 102, 102′ that are fixed on the ground.


Further, the prefabricated structures 102, 102′ may also include a plurality of levelers 174 that may be disposed at the lower ends of the prefabricated structures 102, 102′. In an embodiment, the levelers 174 may include threaded bolts which may extend into holes formed in the horizontal members 110, 110′ of the prefabricated structures 102, 102′. The levelers 174 may be adjusted to adjust the height and therefore level of the corresponding prefabricated structure 102, 102′ relative to other prefabricated structures 102, 102′ or the concrete foundation. In certain scenarios, the levelers 174 may be disposed adjacent to each vertical member 108, 108′ of the prefabricated structures 102, 102′. In some implementations, the levelers 174 may also be disposed adjacent to vertically disposed reinforcement members 126, 126′.


The prefabricated structures 102, 102′ may include a plurality of panels 176 attached with the rigid frames 104, 104′ to form sidewalls, end-walls, ceiling, and floor of the prefabricated structures 102, 102′. Referring to FIG. 7, the panels 176 are shown to be attached with first rigid frame 104 (only one sidewall shown for sake of clarity) of the first prefabricated structure 102. The panels 176 may be acoustic panels to absorb noise generated by various equipment of the modular gas compression plant 100. The panels 176 may be attached with first rigid frame 104 or the second rigid frame 104′ by using bolts or any other suitable means known in the art.


The prefabricated structures 102, 102′ may be arranged and stacked in numerous configurations, which allows flexibility to scale the gas compression facility with the size of the equipment and to allow Balance of Plant (BOP) scope. Some of the prefabricated structures 102, 102′ may incorporate turbomachinery support systems such as fuel gas treatment, seal gas treatment, compressor piping, unit and surge valves as required, utility air compressors, backup generator, electrical equipment, as well as all utility distribution systems for air, lube oil, vents, and drains.


For assembling the modular building structure 200, the second prefabricated structure 102′ is installed on the concrete foundation using the anchor bolt bracket 170. For installing the second prefabricated structure 102′ the anchor bolts 172 may be fixed into the concrete foundation. Thereafter, the first prefabricated structure 102 is lifted above the second prefabricated structure 102′, such that the first pin receiving holes 120 are aligned to the second pin receiving holes 120′. The guides 106 align the first prefabricated structure 102 and the second prefabricated structure 102′ by aligning the first pin receiving holes 120 with the second pin receiving holes 120′ with the help of elongated members 132. Thereafter, the guides 106 are coupled with the second prefabricated structure 102′ by inserting and extending the second end portion 140 of the elongated members 132 into the corresponding second pin receiving holes 120′. In such a position, the plate 130 of each guide 106 may abut against the end face 122′ of the vertical members 108′. Further, the first prefabricated structure 102 is lowered to insert and extend the first end portion 138 of the elongated member 132 of each guide 106 into the corresponding first pin receiving hole 120. Additionally. or optionally, the spacer plate 150 may be positioned in between the end face 122 and the plate 130 to maintain a prespecified distance between the first prefabricated structure 102 and the second prefabricated structure 102′. Thereafter, one or more connector plates 160 are coupled to the horizontal members 110 of the first prefabricated structure 102 and the horizontal members 110′ of the second prefabricated structure 102′. In this manner, various prefabricated structures are assembled together in a vertical arrangement. Further, the prefabricated structures 102, 102′ may be assembled in a side-by-side arrangement by coupling the vertical members 108, 108′ of the prefabricated structures 102, 102′ by using connector plates 160. In this manner, the modular building structure 200 (gas compression plant 100) is assembled and installed at a location. An assembled view of a single vertical member 108′ of the second prefabricated structure 102′ with a single vertical member 108 of the first prefabricated structure 102 is shown in FIG. 6.


The prefabricated structures 102, 102′ may also be equipped with building support systems, including material handling, heating and ventilation, lighting, storage, and fire and gas detection systems. Each prefabricated structure 102, 102′ may be transported complete with the associated piping and electrical and controls interfaces to facilitate rapid site integration. The prefabricated structures 102, 102′ may be configured for installation on a concrete foundation, or, on pilings using a prefabricated metal deck.


As illustrated, the prefabricated structures (102,102′) may be stacked in two or more levels and additionally, a series of roof support trusses may be mounted on the prefabricated structures 102, 102′ to support a roof 180 (shown in FIG. 1) of the modular building structure 200.


In some implementations, the first prefabricated structure 102 may have a different length than the second prefabricated structure 102′. In some implementations, the first prefabricated structure 102 has a first length, and the second prefabricated structure 102′ has a second length that is shorter than the first length. The difference in length between the first prefabricated structure 102 and the second prefabricated structure 102′ may be used to form an access opening 182 (shown in FIG. 1) to the gas compression plant 100 or modular building structure 200 by placing the second prefabricated structure 102′ below the first prefabricated structure 102. The access opening 182 may be formed at the end of shorter prefabricated structure 102′ as illustrated.



FIG. 2 is a plan view of an upper level of the gas compression plant 100. As illustrated, the gas compression plant 100 may be formed from two levels of six prefabricated structures 102, 102′. The prefabricated structures 102, 102′ may be arranged in a rectangular configuration such that the prefabricated structures 102, 102′ form a perimeter around the internal area 190 that can house the turbomachinery equipment 400 assembled on site. The turbomachinery equipment 400 may come preassembled on a skid base that is mounted on the concrete foundation of the gas compression plant 100. The turbomachinery equipment 400 may be coupled to various modules of the gas compression plant 100 that are mounted and housed in the various rigid frames 104, 104′. Various further details of the gas compression plant 100 or the modular building structure 200 are explained with reference to the first prefabricated structure 102, it may be appreciated that the similar description may be applicable to the second prefabricated structure 102′. Also, it may be appreciated that the first prefabricated structure 102 and the second prefabricated structure 102′ are similar in configuration.



FIG. 8 illustrates an example interior of a gas compression plant 100 or modular building structure 200 according an example implementation of the present disclosure. As illustrated, a bridge crane 800 may be installed by mounting runways 802 to the first prefabricated structures 102 on either side of the modular gas compression plant 100 or modular building structure 200. The bridge crane 800 may be utilized for lifting and/or moving an equipment within the modular gas compression plant 100.


Lighting fixtures 804 may also be installed within one or more of the first prefabricated structures 102 and wired to an external power supply which may be located in an equipment room module. Additionally, fire or gas detectors may also be installed within one or more of the first prefabricated structures 102 and wired to a control panel which may be located in the equipment room module.



FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the prefabricated structure 102 that can be used as an equipment room module 900 having an equipment room 902 connected by electrical conduit 904 and other supply connections. The equipment room 902 includes an electrical equipment and battery systems associated with the compression equipment and BOP may be located in the equipment room 902, and attached to the first rigid frame 104. The equipment room module 900 may be separately located from the gas compression plant 100 (modular building structure 200), and may be placed in a non-hazardous area to avoid ignition of flammable gas associated with the gas compression plant. When the equipment room module 900 is incorporated into the gas compression plant 100 (modular building structure 200), may be fabricated to be air-tight and have a pressurization system to guarantee no ingress of flammable gases.



FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the prefabricated structure 102 that may be used as a heating and ventilation module 1000 having a heating and ventilation system 1001 that is housed within the first rigid frame 104 and attached to the first rigid frame 104. Additionally, sealing panels 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008 are mounted on the vertical members 108 and horizontal members 110, and each sealing panel may be formed by assembling the panels 176. In some example implementations, the sealing panels 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008 may be noise or sound attenuating panels. Sealing panel 1002 may be an end panel mounted on an end of the first prefabricated structure 102 and may include a door opening 1010. Sealing panels 1008 and 1006 may be ceiling and floor panels mounted on the upper and lower parts of the first prefabricated structure 102. Sealing panel 1004 may be a side panel mounted on a side of the first prefabricated structure 102. The sealing panel 1004 may have openings for components of the heating and ventilation system 1001. The heating and ventilation system 1001 may include supply fans 1012, exhaust louvers 1014, and dampers attached to the first rigid frame 104. The heating and ventilation system components 1012, 1014 may be installed in the heating and ventilation module 1000 prior to shipment to a job site. Power cables, rain hoods, and piping connecting the heating and ventilation system 1001 to the remainder of the gas compression plant 100 may be installed on the construction site or job site.



FIG. 11 illustrates an example implementation of the first prefabricated structure 102 that can be used as a temporary workspace module 1100 that may include an office work space 1102. The office work space 1102 may be defined within the first prefabricated structure 102 for positioning a standing desk 1104, a physical storage 1106 such as paper/record storage such as bookcase, and file cabinets, or any other supplies that the user may want to store at the gas compression plant 100. Additionally, sealing panels 1108, 1110, 1112, 1114 are mounted on the vertical members 108 and horizontal members 110, and each sealing panel may be formed by assembling the panels 176. In some example implementations, the sealing panels 1108, 1110, 1112, 1114 may be noise or sound attenuating panels. The sealing panels 1108, 1110, 1112, 1114 may respectively be an end panel, a ceiling panel, a floor panel, and a side panel mounted on first rigid frame 104 of the first prefabricated structure 102. Power cables and piping connecting the temporary workspace module 1100 to the remainder of the gas compression plant 100 may be installed on site.



FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the prefabricated structure 102 that can be used as a seal gas treatment module 1200 having a seal gas treatment system 1202. The seal gas treatment system 1202 may be housed and attached to the first rigid frame 104. The seal gas treatment system 1202 may be used to coalesce liquids and filter the gas, and raise the temperature to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit above the hydrocarbon dew point, before it is delivered to the turbomachinery equipment 400. Additionally, the seal gas treatment system 1202 may be used whenever the available seal gas has components that could condense in the dry gas seals, or particles above the limits stated in performance standards for equipment used in the gas compression plant 100. Additionally, the seal gas treatment module 1200 may include sealing panels formed of plurality of panels 176.


The seal gas treatment module 1200 may include pipe and/or cable routed within the first prefabricated structure 102. The seal gas treatment system 1202 include a coalescing filter, an electric heater; and any necessary valves, drain and venting piping, and any other component known in the art. Further, the seal gas treatment system 1202 may also include automatic isolation (e.g., Shut down valve (SDV)) or purge valves if required by fire or building codes or desired by plant operator. The seal gas treatment system 1202 may be installed in the first prefabricated structure 102 prior to shipment to a job site. Power cables and piping connecting the seal gas treatment module 1200 to the remainder of the gas compression plant 100 may be installed on site.



FIG. 13 illustrates an example implementation of the first prefabricated structure 102 that can be used as a fuel gas treatment module 1300 having a fuel gas treatment system 1302. The fuel gas treatment system 1302 may be housed and attached to the first rigid frame 104. Fuel gas treatment system 1302 may be used in the gas compression plant 100 to condense to coalesce liquids and filter the gas, and raise the temperature to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit above the hydrocarbon dew point, before it is delivered to the turbomachinery equipment 400. Additionally, the fuel gas treatment module 1300 may include sealing panels formed of plurality of panels 176.


The fuel gas treatment module 1300 may include pipe and/or cable routed within the first prefabricated structure 102. The fuel gas treatment system 1302 may include a coalescing filter, an electric heater, a Glycol heat exchanger, Inlet SDV and Blow Down Valve (BDV) (as required by code to enable fuel gas system isolation and depressurization), inlet regulator, pre-filter and preheating equipment, and as well as valves, drain and venting pipes, and any other component known in the art. The fuel gas treatment system 1302 may be installed in the first prefabricated structure 102 prior to shipment to a job site. Power cables and piping connecting the fuel gas treatment module 1300 to the remainder of the gas compression plant 100 may be installed on site.


Additionally, the gas compression plant 100 may include various other modules such as a gas compression module, a backup generator, a piping cable distribution module, a warehousing module etc. as the exemplary implementations of the first prefabricated structures 102 and/or the second prefabricated structures 102′. Though a variety of modules have been described relating to the operation of a gas compression plant, example implementations are not limited to a gas compression plant and may alternatively include other types of facilities that might be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. For example, other implementations might include a natural gas burning power generation facility for generating electricity, a pumping station for delivering oil or gasoline through a pipeline, or any other facility that might be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Similar modules may be used and customized to the intended operation of the building constructed.


INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Plants for operating turbomachinery equipment have a variety of uses. Buildings associated with such plants may include the gas compression plant 100 for delivering natural gas through a pipeline, a natural gas burning power generation facility for generating electricity, a pumping station for delivering oil or gasoline through a pipeline, or any other facility that might be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. These plants may be in very remote locations. For example, gas compression plants may be used for transporting fuel from natural gas deposits through a pipeline. Frequently, natural gas deposits are located in remote areas of the planet.


Constructing and deploying the gas compression plant 100 or other turbomachinery equipment plant at such a remote area may be difficult and expensive. For instance, transporting individual panels, pipes, and other construction materials may require a large amount of delivery trucks. Assembly of the gas compression plant 100 or other turbo machinery equipment from the individual construction materials may take a substantial amount of manpower and time. Additionally, laborers may have to travel to the remote area and sleep in special lodging facilities just to build and test the gas compression plant 100. These factors may lengthen the construction time for a remotely located gas compression plant.


Using a modular construction system made up of prefabricated structures, such as prefabricated structures 102, 102′, such as those illustrated in the above discussed embodiments of the present disclosure may yield significant advantages. For example, constructing an operations building that houses turbomachinery equipment in separate prefabricated structures can allow for efficient delivery and deployment. Each prefabricated structure, such as the first prefabricated structure 102 or the second prefabricated structure 102′, is fabricated in sizes largely similar to ISO containers, which may reduce transportation costs. Further, the prefabricated structures 102, 102′ are coupled using guide 106 that can be installed easily and in relatively shorter span of time. Also, the elongated member 132 of the guide 106 helps and ensure proper alignment of the prefabricated structures 102, 102′ that are stacked in vertical arrangement. Other large structures such as a gas processing structure may also be constructed of individual substructures. By constructing the prefabricated structures at a fabrication facility, laborers do not need to travel and stay extended periods of time at the remotely located site in order to construct the gas compression plant 100. All prefabricated structures may be standardized and customizable depending on the size of the gas compression plant 100 and/or the size of the turbomachinery equipment. This can save on equipment and construction costs.


Large structures such as the operations building may be placed on a variety of different foundations. For example, the operations building may be placed on a concrete slab. In other instances, the operations building may be placed on a plurality of pilings. The pilings may be tubular members composed of metal or wood. The pilings may be installed in the ground and extend a certain height upwards from the ground. The plurality of pilings may generally be positioned in a rectangular grid like format. In certain instances, the plurality of pilings may allow greater vibrational forces to resonate through the operations building caused by the turbomachinery equipment.


In addition, all components of the modular gas compression plant 100 may be tested at the fabrication facility for functional operation. This can save time later where problems that may occur during initial testing of the fully assembled turbomachinery plant at the remote location are instead found at the fabrication facility. All substructures and components of the modular gas compression plant 100 may be efficiently delivered to the remote site, deployed quickly, and seamlessly integrated together.

Claims
  • 1. A modular building structure for a turbomachinery equipment, the modular building structure comprising: a first prefabricated structure including: a first rigid frame formed from a plurality of first linear members the plurality of first linear members including first horizontal members and first vertical members, the first vertical members having end faces, the first rigid frame including a plurality of first pin receiving holes formed in the end faces of a plurality of the first vertical members and extending into the plurality of the first vertical members;a second prefabricated structure including: a second rigid frame formed from a plurality of second linear members, the plurality of second linear members including second horizontal members and second vertical members, the second vertical members having end faces, the second rigid frame including a plurality of second pin receiving holes formed in the end faces of the second vertical members and extending into the plurality of the second vertical members; anda plurality of guides to align and couple the first prefabricated structure to the second prefabricated structure, each guide including: a plate having an opening extending through the plate; andan elongated member extending through the opening of the plate and including a first end portion extending inside a corresponding first pin receiving hole and a second end portion extending inside a corresponding second pin receiving hole for coupling the first prefabricated structure with the second prefabricated structure.
  • 2. The modular building structure of claim 1, wherein the first rigid frame forms a cuboidal structure having a plurality of first corners and the plurality of first pin receiving holes being located at the plurality of first corners.
  • 3. The modular building structure of claim 1, wherein the first rigid frame is formed from the plurality of first linear members including: at least four first linear members forming a first rectangular structure;at least four first linear members forming a second rectangular structure; andat least four linear first members connecting the first rectangular structure to the second rectangular structure.
  • 4. The modular building structure of claim 1, wherein the second rigid frame forms a cuboidal structure having a plurality of second corners and the plurality of second pin receiving holes being located at the plurality of second corners.
  • 5. The modular building structure of claim 1, wherein the second rigid frame is formed from the plurality of second linear members including: at least four second linear members forming a third rectangular structure;at least four second linear members forming a fourth rectangular structure; andat least four second linear members connecting the third rectangular structure to the fourth rectangular structure.
  • 6. The modular building structure of claim 1 further including a spacer plate disposed between the first rigid frame and the second rigid frame, the spacer plate including an aperture, wherein the elongated member of the guide is inserted through the aperture.
  • 7. The modular building structure of claim 1 further including a connector plate coupled to the first rigid frame and the second rigid frame to couple the first prefabricated structure to the second prefabricated structure.
  • 8. The modular building structure of claim 1, wherein the first prefabricated structure has a first length, and the second prefabricated structure has a second length shorter than the first length.
  • 9. The modular building structure of claim 1 further including a bridge crane mounted on the first prefabricated structure.
  • 10. The modular building structure of claim 1, wherein the first prefabricated structure further includes at least one of supply fans and exhaust louvers, forming a heating and ventilation system, attached to the first rigid frame.
  • 11. The modular building structure of claim 1, wherein the first prefabricated structure further includes a fuel gas treatment system housed and attached to the first rigid frame.
  • 12. The modular building structure of claim 1, wherein the first prefabricated structure further includes a seal gas treatment system housed and attached to the first rigid frame.
  • 13. The modular building structure of claim 1, wherein the first prefabricated structure further includes an equipment room for electrical equipment attached to the first rigid frame.
  • 14. The modular building structure of claim 1, wherein the first prefabricated structure further includes an office work space and physical storage.
  • 15. A prefabricated structure for a modular building structure for a turbomachinery equipment, the prefabricated structure comprising: a rigid frame formed from a plurality of linear members having end faces, the rigid frame being a cuboidal structure having a plurality of corners, the rigid frame including a plurality of first pin receiving holes formed in a plurality of the end faces of the plurality of linear members located at the plurality of corners, the first pin receiving holes extending into the plurality of first linear members; anda plurality of guides configured to align and couple the prefabricated structure to another prefabricated structure, each guide including: a plate having an opening extending through the plate; andan elongated member extending through the opening of the plate and including a first end portion being inserted inside a corresponding first pin receiving hole for attaching the prefabricated structure with the another prefabricated structure.
  • 16. The prefabricated structure of claim 15 further including a connector plate coupled to the rigid frame and configured to couple the prefabricated structure to the another prefabricated structure.