Compressor Program

Through TEP’s Compressor Environmental Performance Program, participants focus on actions that reduce emissions from reciprocating and centrifugal compressors within oil and natural gas transmission operations.

ROBERTSON COUNTY, TEXAS - APRIL 29: Emissions fume at the coal-fueled Oak Grove Power Plant on April 29, 2024 in Robertson County, Texas. In conjunction with the Biden-Harris Administration's attempt to curve climate change, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has finalized four new rules which seek to reduce carbon emissions and mercury pollution amongst businesses and communities. Environmental regulators favor the decision, believing that the rules provide clear instruction and time allotment for power companies to begin finding solutions in providing reliable power while reducing harmful emissions. Industry groups have pushed back, stating that the change is coming at a time when more gas-fueled power is paramount. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

IMPLEMENTING PRACTICES TO REDUCE EMISSION FROM COMPRESSORS

An oil and gas compressor is a mechanical device that increases the pressure of hydrocarbon gases by reducing their volume. The primary types used are reciprocating, centrifugal, and rotary screw compressors. They are essential across all operational sectors to move, process, and store gases safely.

 

Through the TEP’s Compressor Program, participating companies implement various compressor emission reduction practices, such as converting centrifugal compressor wet seals to dry seals, converting centrifugal compressor gas start to air or electric, replacing reciprocating compressor rod packings, installing “low-e” rod packings, and routing compressor emissions to a capture system for beneficial use, flare, or control device to achieve at least a 95% reduction in emissions.

REDUCING EMISSIONS THROUGH ACTION

2025 PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

  • Rod packing changes on more than 3,550 reciprocating compressors
  • Approved emissions reduction practices utilized on more than 630 compressors
  • Over 185 compressor engines replaced with or installed with electric motors

2020-2025 Compressor Program

  • Rod packing changes on more than 21,550 reciprocating compressors
  • Approved emissions reduction practices utilized on more than 5,100 compressors

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Program Specific
Target

Company plan will determine onshore compressors located at gathering and boosting, natural gas processing plants, and transmission and storage facilities included in program.
Method

Company will implement one of the following compressor emission reduction practices:

  • Convert centrifugal compressor wet seals to dry seals, or
  • Convert centrifugal compressor gas start to air or electric startup.
  • Replace reciprocating compressor rod packing every 26,000 hours of operation, every 36 months, or use a condition-based determination.
  • Install low-e rod packing on reciprocating compressors.
  • Route wet seal degassing or rod packing vent to a capture system for beneficial use, flare, or control device to achieve at least a 95% reduction in emissions.
  • Install new reciprocating or centrifugal compressor utilizing one or more of the approved emission reduction methods.

Timeline

Individual company commitment