Gas Compressor Station: CAT G3606

The Challenge

A Gas Compressor Station was looking to reduce its total methane emissions emitted from its reciprocating engine via its crankcase. They were looking for a closed crankcase ventilation solution. This was an existing site with (3) Caterpillar G3606 natural gas engines powering reciprocating gas compressors.

The Solution

Solberg utilized previous installations and data acquired in the field to select a solution. A packaged version of its Advanced Crankcase Ventilation unit was supplied. The package consisted of two Solberg ACV4068 units, our largest closed crankcase unit, a piping manifold to run them in parallel, insulation jackets for the canisters and piping, and gauges to read the vacuum in the crankcase and vacuum provided by the engine turbo.

Results

With constant communication throughout the entire project and review of the installation, the trial Solberg ACV unit was successfully installed. An emissions source was eliminated via the closed system, and any unburnt methane was successfully routed back to the engine for combustion. Vacuum level in the crankcase is being regulated, per OEM specifications, by Solberg’s proprietary vacuum regulation technology. It is currently running without any challenges. Three additional units were ordered and installed. Additional sites are scheduled as well.

The Product

The ACV is designed to protect your engine’s turbo, coolers, and inlet air filters as well, as help ensure environmental compliance while keeping engine rooms clean, safe & free of oil mist. The series comes standard with industry leading automated vacuum control technology to regulate crankcase pressure and prevent seal leakage. The replaceable filter element contains a proprietary media pack offering exceptional efficiency levels with an extremely long life, allowing operators up to one year before an element change is required.

Solberg Product Provided

ACV(2)4068-J

ACV Design Features

  • Eliminates an engine emissions source
  • Reduces methane emissions and recycles unburnt
    methane
  • Eliminates visible emissions (99%+ efficient at 0.3 um)
  • High performance coalescing elements offer long life
  • Flow ranges from 2 - 40 CFM (3 - 68 m3/hr)for single units
  • Integrated vacuum control valve controls precise range of vacuum
  • Diaphragm vacuum regulation valve design, no springs; no manual vacuum adjustment required
  • Drain port for oil recovery