Over the last few years, there has been an increase in demand for clean energy sources. Natural gas power generation is a good choice for many industries looking for an efficient primary or backup source of power that is more environmentally friendly than traditional fuels. But what are the main advantages of this type of power generation, and is it a suitable solution for your industry?

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Processing natural gas separates all the various hydrocarbons and liquids from it to produce pipeline-quality dry natural gas. On the other hand, natural gas liquids are used in various industries for producing fuel and even plastics.

At 24/7 Compression, we offer a wide variety of gas compression and processing service packages for small- and large-scale facilities. Learn more about our company and how we can help.

What Are Natural Gas Liquids?

Natural gas liquids are natural gas components separated from the gaseous state in liquid form. They're hydrocarbons, meaning molecules composed of carbon and hydrogen. They also belong to the same family as natural gas and crude oil.

There are many uses for NGL's spanning nearly every sector of the economy: 

• Petrochemical plants use them as inputs to produce materials such as plastics;

• They're burned for space heat or cooking;

• They are blended into vehicle fuels.

Why Are Natural Gas Liquids Important?

Higher prices on crude oil have led to increased demand for these products, making drilling in liquid-rich resources more profitable than it once was due to their high content rate of natural gas liquids (NGL). Natural gas liquids have high value as separate products and have many different applications.

Depending on their vapour pressure, natural gas liquids are categorized into three main types: 

• Low vapour pressure NGL (condensate);

• Intermediate vapour pressure NGL (natural gasoline);

• High vapour pressure NGL (liquefied petroleum gas).

Based on their applications, there are many different types of natural gas liquids:

• Ethane (C2H6) - Applications for ethane include plastics production and petrochemical feedstock- as raw materials fed into an industrial process to produce a new product. Some of the end products of these processes are plastics, detergents, and antifreeze.

• Butanes (C4H10) - Butane can be blended with other fuels, such as gasoline and propane. Such a blend produces synthetic rubber for tires and lighter fuel. Pure butane is also used in refrigeration in its liquid form. When combined with propane, butane becomes liquified petroleum gas (LPG).

• Isobutane (C4H10) - Isobutane is used in various industrial applications, including as a refinery feedstock and petrochemical feedstock. Some well-known end-use products include aerosols and refrigerants.

• Propane (C3H8) - Propane has a number of applications and uses. Residential and commercial heating is just one example. Propane is also used as cooking fuel. Some vehicle owners also use propane as fuel for their cars.

• Pentanes (C5H12) - Pentanes are mainly used in natural gasoline and as a blowing agent for polystyrene foam. There is also a special category, called Pentane Plus (also known as natural gasoline), which is blended with vehicle fuel and exported for bitumen production.

Industries Using Natural Gas Liquids

Each type of natural gas liquid has its own primary sector of use. As their applications vary, the primary sectors for NGLs can also be different:

• Ethane is primarily used in the industrial sector.

• Propane is used in the industrial, residential and commercial sectors.

• Butane is mainly used for transportation and in the industrial sector.

• The application of the isobutanes is mostly in the industrial sector.

• Pentane and Pentane Plus are used for transportation.

How Are Natural Gas Liquids Extracted?

There are two methods for removing NGLs from the natural gas stream: absorption and cryogenic expansion.

The Absorption Method

The absorption method for NGL extraction is very similar to how dehydration works. The primary difference lies in the usage of absorbing the oil in NGL absorption instead of glycol in the process of dehydration. 

The absorption method is used when it is necessary to pick up heavier natural gas liquids like butane and pentane because the absorbing oil has an affinity with them. The absorption process occurs in an "absorption tower" where the gas comes into contact with absorbing oil which soaks up most of the natural gas liquids. Then the mixture of absorption oil and NGLs is heated to a temperature higher than the boiling point for the NGLs, but below the boiling point of the oil.

This process yields a recovery of 75% butanes and 85-90% natural gasoline from the natural gas feedstock.

The Cryogenic Expansion Process

The lighter hydrocarbons, unlike the heavier NGLs, are harder to recover from the natural gas feedstocks. This is where the cryogenic expansion process comes into place. In this process, the temperature of natural gas is lowered to -120 degrees Fahrenheit by using external cooling agents. One of the most common and at the same time effective methods of cooling natural gas is the turbo expander process.

This process uses an expansion turbine to quickly drop the temperature of the gas, causing the natural gas liquids to start condensing. Apart from being efficient, this method can also save some serious energy costs by converting a portion of the released energy.

24/7 Compression is your trusted provider of gas compression parts, equipment and services for your business. Learn more about our wide range of services and expertise. We offer flexible solutions tailored to your industry needs!

What Is NGL Fractionation?

 The fractionation process is used in natural gas processing plants to separate the natural gas liquids into individual products. Fractionation works based on the different boiling points of the different hydrocarbons in the stream. This process consists of a series of steps, starting from the lighter NGLs being taken out from the natural gas stream.

The fractionation is the second step in the process of natural gas treatment. The first step includes the extraction of the liquids from the natural gas. And the second is the separation of these liquids into their base components, such as ethane, propane, butane, and methane.

At 24/7 Compression, we are proud to be a trusted wholesaler of gas compression parts and equipment for many different industries. We offer flexible solutions to our clients, including new build and used compressor packages, rental packages and full services. We have multiple locations in Alberta and British Columbia, so don't hesitate to reach out and let's discuss how we can help. Contact us today!

Industrial power generators are often used in factories, schools, hospitals, and other institutions for their need for constant power. Apart from the obvious benefits of an uninterrupted power supply, they also provide a sense of safety and security. Moreover, besides the fact that industrial power generators have a lot to offer in terms of function and safety, they also provide cost-efficiency.

Types of Industrial Generators 

When you're looking to purchase an industrial power generator, you should know that many different types of generators are on the market. The first type of industrial power generator is a standby generator. Standby generators provide power and will automatically start if the primary power source goes out. They can also be used as a backup for businesses or residences with sensitive equipment. 

The second type of industrial power generator is known as a portable generator. These are often considered an alternative to gas-powered generators because they are much quieter and cleaner but are not designed to provide continuous power over long periods of time. 

Why Purchase a Used Power Generator Instead of Buying a New One?

Purchasing a used power generator has many advantages. You get the opportunity to save money and buy one of the best brands in the industry, and you can purchase a generator that suits your needs exactly. That being said, there are some mistakes you need to avoid when purchasing a used generator, and these include: 

• Buying a power generator without inspecting it first.

• Purchasing a generator from an unlicensed seller.

• Purchasing a power generator with unclear features.

• Purchasing an old model instead of the latest generation.

• Buying generators that the manufacturer has recalled.

Making the right decision when choosing a power generator for your business is essential. This piece of machinery would help you keep your company's performance even when there is a power outage or impaired power supply. Buying a used power generator is one way to go, and the cost is a reasonable factor to consider. But what do you need to look for when choosing a used power generator?

Discuss your business needs with our experts, so you can easily find the best solution for your company. Call us today, and we'll help you choose a new or used power generator.

What Has the Generator Been Used for?

When buying a used power generator, it is important to determine what it was used for by its previous owner. If, for example, the generator was used as a backup power source, it is more likely for it to have a better general condition. If used as the main power source, on the other hand, the generator probably has a significant run-time. You should be able to access this information by checking the generator's odometer, but unfortunately, this is not always possible. 

Another thing to consider is the generator's age. Depending on the machine's age, finding parts or an expert who can repair the generator can be an easy task or a challenging process.

24/7 Compression can help you buy a new or used power generator that you can count on! So give us a call today and let's discuss your company needs and how to choose the right generator for them.

How Was the Generator Maintained?

How a generator was maintained is just as important as how much it was used. Do not hesitate to ask the seller about the previous owner's procedures to keep the generator in good working condition. If possible, the seller could provide you with a maintenance log or other documentation tracking the generator's use and repairs.

If the seller can not provide you with these, make sure to ask him general questions such as:

• Does the previous owner of the generator have certified technicians in-house, or does he hire a company to do the maintenance?

• Was there a need for major repairs to be made while using the generator?

• How many times, if more than one, was the generator installed and de-installed, and why?

Are There Any Visible Damages?

Any mechanical device suffers wear and tear over time. A power generator is no exception, so you should always check for any visible damage before purchasing. This is extremely important when choosing a used generator because it is generally more likely to have cracks or corrosion.

The best thing you could do is to work with a team of well-known experts with the experience needed to notice even well-hidden damages. Contact us, so we can help you choose a used power generator.

Check the Generator's Load Testing Performance

Even though it is a pretty standard procedure, it is essential to ensure that the seller has run a load test on the generator before buying it. Load testing is the only way to ensure that your generator will work when you need it most. This is why you should not compromise on this and always check the generator's performance before making a buying decision. 

A power generator load test will typically consist of various levels of electrical current being drawn from the generator to determine how it performs under different circumstances. The test can also check for voltage regulation and power factors. All of these tests are performed to ensure that your equipment can power up and provide enough energy throughout the day without any issues.

Buy a Used Generator Only From a Trusted Seller

Whether you buy a used power generator or a new one, always purchase it from a seller with a good reputation that you can trust. The seller's experience and reputation could give you a general idea about what quality and working conditions you should expect from the equipment you buy. Choosing a generator simply by its make and model could be misleading, especially if you are not an expert in the area. However, when you work with a team you can trust, these details are not an issue.

At 24/7 Compression, you will find a team with many years of experience, combined with great expertise and motivation to find the best solution for each client. Along with our services, we offer new and used power generation equipment, following the client's needs. In addition, we provide maintenance services, including installation and startup, performance analysis and emergency call-outs.