Compressor Package Methane Recovery and Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressor packages in the oil and gas industry emit significant greenhouse gases, particularly methane, despite regulatory limitations on non-methane volatile organic compounds and normal operating emissions, necessitating a system to directly reduce methane emissions and prevent malfunctions that lead to additional emissions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a compressor package with a start system, leak detection, air system, recovery system, and control system, which includes a hydraulic or electric starter, air compressor, blowdown recovery, methane detection, and monitoring system to minimize emissions by capturing and recycling gases, and using electric motors to replace natural gas-fired engines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If natural gas-fired engines are used in compressor packages, then the compressor can operate and provide necessary compression, but significant greenhouse gas emissions including methane are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the natural gas-fired engine from the compressor package, replacing it with an electric motor. This separation eliminates the combustion process that generates greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining the compressor's operational functionality through electric power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical combustion-based natural gas engine with an electric motor system. This substitution eliminates the chemical combustion process that produces emissions, using electrical energy conversion instead to drive the compressor.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If regulatory limitations are imposed on non-methane volatile organic compounds and normal operating emissions, then environmental compliance is improved, but additional complex emission control systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the source of emissions (natural gas engine) entirely, which automatically complies with all emission regulations without requiring additional control systems. This extraction approach makes emission control systems unnecessary by eliminating the emission source at its origin.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor-driven compressor system inherently produces zero or minimal emissions, making itself compliant with emission regulations without needing external emission control equipment. The system serves its own environmental compliance needs through its fundamental design.
3Loss of information
If methane detection and monitoring systems are added to the compressor package, then real-time emissions tracking is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for complex methane detection and monitoring systems by eliminating the source of methane emissions through the use of an electric motor instead of a natural gas engine. Without combustion and fuel storage, the system inherently produces minimal methane, making extensive monitoring unnecessary.
Data Source
AI summary
A system that can eliminate engine combustion emissions in addition to raw and fugitive methane emissions associated with a gas compressor package. The system may comprise an air system for starting and instrumentation air supply; electrically operated engine pre/post-lube pump, compressor pre-lube pump, and cooler louver actuators; compressor distance piece and pressure packing recovery system; blow-down recovery system; engine crankcase vent recovery system; a methane leak detection system; and an overall remote monitoring system.