GasNet puts unique mobile compressor into operation in Czechia, cutting methane emissions and protecting the environment
The largest gas distributor in Czechia, the GasNet Group, has put into operation a unique technology for transferring natural gas that significantly reduces the emissions footprint of gas industry work. GasNet’s new mobile compressor can extract gas from a section of pipeline that has been taken out of service, compress it and then safely return it to the distribution network—without having to release it into the atmosphere. Gas network operators will use the technology during investment and construction projects as well as pipeline renovations and repairs. They have mounted the powerful compressor on the chassis of a heavy four-axle Tatra truck, which can reach even the most inaccessible parts of the distribution network.
„We consider reducing methane emissions a key issue and one of our long-term strategic priorities. The new mobile compressor enables us to significantly reduce so-called operational losses. These are the volumes of gas that must be released as a result of gas industry operations such as pipeline modernisation, construction, maintenance and, in particular, repairs. Thanks to this unique technology, we can carry out our gas network interventions more efficiently and with less impact on the environment,“ says Andrzej Martynek, CEO of the GasNet Group.
Over the past ten years, GasNet has managed to reduce operational gas losses by 58%. This has been achieved, for example, with special equipment for isolating sections of pipeline. This allows gas network operators to significantly shorten the section of pipeline in operation from which gas would otherwise have to be released as a result of operational work.
With the acquisition of the compressor, the company has also expanded its existing comprehensive system of measures to prevent and limit gas leaks—from inspectors’ patrols with handheld detectors and specially equipped vehicles capable of detecting even minimal leaks to aerial inspections of high-pressure pipelines.
Transfers five households’ annual gas consumption in an hour
The compressor is the most advanced equipment of its kind. It is a sophisticated system equipped with a computer control unit, including precise measurement of the volume of gas transferred. This ensures safe and reliable operation.
The principle behind the compressor is simple: first, it extracts gas from a section of pipeline that has been taken out of service, then compresses it and finally pushes it into another section of the gas distribution system. This minimises greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.
The machine’s robust, sturdy construction means it can also be used in difficult terrain, where the main high-pressure pipelines typically run and where the compressor will be used most often.
„The compressor is completely self-contained. It can drive itself to wherever we need it. The compressor container is mounted on the chassis of a Tatra 8x8 truck. So we will have no problem getting it to even the most inaccessible parts of our distribution network,“ says Petr Koutný, GasNet’s Chief Operating Officer.
The compressor is powered by an electric motor combined with a diesel generator. The setup therefore also includes a trailer carrying the power source. The compressor can operate in a range of modes. At full capacity and a maximum pressure of 25 Bar, it can transfer up to 10 thousand cubic metres of natural gas per hour. That is how much gas five average households in Czechia use for heating and cooking over an entire year.
Key technical specifications
- The compressor unit is installed in an ISO container secured to a TATRA 8x8 transport truck.
- The compressor is driven by an electric motor powered by a mobile diesel-electric generator that meets the STAGE V emissions standard.
- The average volume of gas transferred is 2000 Nm3/h. At full capacity and a maximum pressure of 25 Bar, it reaches up to 10 000 Nm3/h.
- The technology is designed with mobility, environmental protection and safety in mind. Active safety features help ensure this, including methane, smoke and flame detectors.
- The compressor can transfer gas from a maximum pipeline operating pressure of 25 Bar down to a target minimum pressure of 1 Bar.
Translation disclaimer
This article is a machine translation of the Czech original and has not yet been fully reviewed. In case of any doubt, please refer to the Czech version.
