Emissions Reduction

Controlling Compressor Emissions

Across the natural gas industry, measuring and controlling fugitive emissions has become a priority – to comply with regulations and to maximize natural gas recovery.

The experts at Cook Compression can provide a full system assessment and consult with operators on options to meet company objectives.

Gas gathering
Gas processing plant

Identifying the Source of Emissions

Compressor emissions often originate from multiple sources, and several measures may be needed to achieve the desired level of control.

The most common source of fugitive emissions is the packing case:

  • Along the piston rod
  • Through the packing case nose gasket
  • Between packing case cups

Other sources of fugitive emissions from the compression cylinder may include:

  • Oil wiper packing
  • Valve cover gaskets
  • Valve unloader packing
  • The distance piece vent/drain

Comprehensive Emissions Solutions

To reduce compressor leakage, Cook Compression introduced COOK CLEAN® sealing systems with proven technology that reduces fugitive emissions to near zero levels. We also offer upgrades to address valve-related leakage, including a high-strength valve retainer.

Flow testing can be used to accurately quantify compressor seal leakage, both for the reporting of emissions data and for the comparison of upgrade options.

Best Practice Maintenance

Emissions compliance can be significantly improved through implementation of maintenance best practices for the compressor and its wear components.

For the packing case, best practices include:

  • Upgrading the nose gasket to a spiral-wound gasket design
  • Replacing double-acting vent seal rings with side-loaded vent seal rings
  • Lapping the mating faces of the individual packing cups
  • Verifying cup faces’ parallelism, cup depths, pressure packing ring clearances, piston rod surface finish, and packing case alignment
  • Ensuring that proper flange bolt tightening procedures are being used

In addition to packing case repairs, Cook Compression provides expert service for pistons, rods, valves and cylinders.

Related Case Study

California Gas Producer Hits Emissions Target with Cook

To help a major gas producer meet local requirements to reduce cylinder emissions on 90% of its reciprocating compressors, Cook Compression implemented a comprehensive upgrade of cylinder-end components. At the heart of the upgrade was the COOK CLEAN® sealing system – a solution that also significantly improved packing case life.

Read the Case Study > 

Featured Products & Services

Sentrix gas flow meter - inline meter

Sentrix Gas Flow Meters

Sentrix™ gas flow meters are a cost-effective means to detect and quantify compressor seal leakage and meet EPA requirements for reporting reciprocating compressor rod packing emissions.
cook clean sealing system

COOK CLEAN® Sealing Systems

By leveraging field-tested technologies and engineering innovation, COOK CLEAN® sealing systems are proven to lower fugitive emissions to near zero.
BTUU seal ring rendering - low-emissions rod ring technology

Low-Emissions Rod Packing

Minimize reciprocating compressor gas leakage at its primary source – in the packing case along the piston rod. Cook Compression low-emissions rod packing uses gapless rings and dynamic sealing based on pressure to eliminate leak paths and seal more effectively.
Piston rod machining at Odessa service facility

Expert Repair and Service

Gas leakage in compressors is not always caused by worn rod rings. Component wear on case and rod assemblies also contribute. Cook restores components to factory specifications and can make recommendations for upgrades.
Project Services

Project Services

Get a complete appraisal of your equipment and emissions control options. Our projects group take a comprehensive approach to analyzing flows and systems to identify the most effective solutions.
Piston and rod service at Odessa service facility

Contact Us

Every emissions problem is unique. Contact Cook Compression for the optimal solution for your application, environment and emissions goals.

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