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CECO Addresses Lost Gas With LEP - Low Emission Packing

HOUSTON, TEXAS. April 21, 2005-Fugitive natural gas emissions result in a significant loss of revenue as well as contribute to environmental concerns. Stricter regulations and self-governing are currently being implemented to reduce methane release, a greenhouse gas.

Studies conducted by the Pipeline Research Committee at numerous compressor stations nationwide indicate an average rod leakage rate of .9–1.86 cfm per compressor rod.  This figure is almost double that of the findings of the EPA Gas Research Institute.  While this was not considered an industry problem several years ago, with gas prices now well above $5/Mscf, lost revenue as well as greenhouse gas emissions now implore companies to seek ways to minimize leakage.  The technology to reduce fugitive emissions has been in place for many years in the refining, petrochemical and air separation industries. However, the natural gas industry has largely been ignored until now. 

The EPA is working in conjunction with the CECO and other alliance partners to identify, monitor and reduce methane emissions at compressor stations.  Utilizing proven designs, unique materials and engineering expertise, CECO offers their customers technical training in the field, troubleshooting and cost-effective solutions based on corporate goals and requirements. Many companies are now turning to CECO to help reduce and monitor emissions from their compressor’s packing cases.  CECO Low Emission Packing (LEP) has proven to help reduce lost gas and save money with minimal cost to the customer.

CECO has identified a number of important issues to reduce leakage.  Proper maintenance is critical as there are a number of impediments to effective sealing.  There are numerous leak paths within a packing case, any of which can cause an unacceptable emissions release.

Early test results look extremely promising; at one compressor station, initial leakage of over 30 scfh was detected before installing CECO LEP.  After continuous monitoring, the leakage rate has stabilized at 5 scfh, a reduction of 6 times the amount of lost gas.  Over the course of one year, this would equate to a significant savings.  When companies consider this savings for one compressor rod, multiplied by the number of compressors they have in operation, it is easy to see why many customers count on CECO to them save money.

While several companies offer different versions of low emission packing, CECO has cornered the market by offering a solution that is inexpensive yet very effective in reducing leakage.  No machining modifications to existing packing cases are required to install CECO LEP.  However, significant cost savings as well as a reduction of greenhouse gas are a major benefit to our customers. CECO offers several effective ways to reduce emissions by utilizing improved technology to capture lost gas. Additional information may be found at www.ceconet.com or by contacting your local CECO representative at 1-800-TRY-CECO.

Compressor Engineering Corporation (CECO) has grown to become the world's largest independent manufacturer of compressor and engine replacement parts.  CECO offers precision repair from their facilities in Odessa, Houston and Baton Rouge. They also provide customized software solutions, testing, training and consulting. Learn more about CECO and their family of companies from www.TRYCECO.com

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