Top gas compression stories of 2022

The gas compression industry has undergone somewhat of a turbulent time in 2022 thanks to the supply chain crisis and cost of raw material. However, as you will see from the list below, this year has also seen plenty of change and growth from within the sector.

When reflecting on the last 12 months, new launches, positive financial outlooks and regional growth all point to a healthy industry. With that in mind, what are the top stories this year?

Top gas compression stories of 2022

Enerflex to buy Exterran in $735 million transaction

Enerflex provides cryogenic gas processing services.

Right at the start of the year, Calgary-based Enerflex closed the $735 million acquisition of Exterran.

Enerflex said the acquisition will allow it to provide better natural gas, water and energy transition to clients.

Enbridge hydrogen blending project now operational

North America’s first hydrogen blending initiative in Markham, Canada, was made operational earlier this year.

The $5.2 million pilot blending project is the result of a partnership between Enbridge Gas Inc. and its project partner Cummins Inc.

Elliott develops hydrogen compressor arrangement

A configurable compressor arrangement designed to enhance operational flexibility in hydrogen applications was launched by Elliott Group in February.

Known as Flex-Op compressor, the technology allows individual compressors to run in series, in parallel, or both.

ExxonMobil plans to invest $3 billion on lower emission energy solutions through 2025. (Image: ExxonMobil.)

ExxonMobil unveils hydrogen production plant plans

Back in March, ExxonMobil revealed details of its plans for a hydrogen production plant and one of the world’s largest carbon capture and storage projects at its integrated refining and petrochemical site at Baytown, Texas.

U.S. gas prices expected to climb further

February saw a forecast from the U.S. Energy Information Administration reveal that spot prices for natural gas at Henry Hub were expected to average around $4.70/MMBtu for the month of February.

Its research also found that global demand for U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) remained high.

Atlas Copco to supply CO2 compressors to biofuels plant

Atlas Copco will supply a five-stage turbocompressor designed to compress 43.5 t/h of CO2 to a pressure of 42.5 bar.

Atlas Copco Gas and Process announced in February that it was to supply CO2 compression equipment to the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

The site is one of Europe’s most ambitious renewable biofuels plants, according to the company.

U.S. LNG export capacity set to expand further

The U.S. is now the largest exporter of LNG, with a report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration finding that new projects could see it expand further in the future. U.S. LNG producers exported an average of 11.1 Bcf/d in the first half of 2022.

Baker Hughes restructures

In September, Baker Hughes Company announced the restructuring and simplification of its organization, as it attempted to accelerate its strategic transformation in the rapidly evolving energy and industrial markets.

Cooper tests hydrogen mix on AJAX 2802 gas engine

The successful test of a slow-speed integral engine running on a hydrogen (H2)-natural gas fuel blend was carried out by Cooper Machinery Services in March.

The test was conducted at their slow-speed integral engine test cell at corporate headquarters in Texas.

The John Crane Sense Turbo uses a unique set of sensors embedded directly into a compressor’s dry gas seal

John Crane unveils dry gas seal diagnostics

John Crane launched a dry gas seal digital diagnostics solution to monitor conditions at the heart of a compressor in January.

The product uses a set of sensors embedded directly into a compressor’s dry gas seal to deliver continuous, real-time insight to identify potential issues.