SKF has supplied magnetic bearings for use in the world’s first subsea gas compression system at the Statoil-operated Åsgard gas field off the Norwegian coast. The bearings contribute to the recovering of additional gas volumes from depleting gas fields as well as extending the lifetime of those gas fields that would otherwise be prematurely closed.

Traditionally, gas compression is done on the platforms. At the Åsgard field, it is located on the seabed, near the wellheads, to maximize gas recovery, thereby significantly prolonging the production lifetime of this gas field.

Compressor manufacturer MAN Diesel & Turbo was provided with SKF magnetic bearings that simplified the system’s architecture by removing the need for components such as lubricating oil, seals and gearbox.

In addition to supplying the magnetic bearings, SKF has also provided a control system that enables remote operation of the magnetic bearing system.

Statoil