Have you ever noticed when you're drinking an ice-cold drink on a hot summer day, the outside of your glass is wet? This is because the air around the glass cooled, and water from the air condensed onto the glass; this is the dew point temperature.

What is a Dew Point?

The dew point is the temperature when the air changes its state, from vapour to liquid. When air reaches below the dew point temperature at a particular pressure, the fluid will condense. If you are above dew point temperature, the liquid will remain in a gaseous state.

What is a Hydrocarbon Dew Point?

When natural gas is extracted, it has a mixture of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon components. For example, methane, a hydrocarbon component, typically makes up about 60-90% of natural gas mixed with other non-hydrocarbon components such as carbon dioxide or hydrogen sulphide. Depending on the wellheads, the composition will vary; this means that precise measurements of natural gas are essential to avoid damage to the equipment. 

Hydrocarbon dew point (HCDP) is the temperature at which a hydrocarbon component condenses and changes its state from vapour to liquid. Also referred to as hydrocarbon liquid drop-out. The higher the HCDP means there is a higher proportion of heavy hydrocarbon components. This is important for pipeline operators. If there are too many hydrocarbons, there is a potential risk of condensation forming in the pipeline.

How to Measure Hydrocarbon Dew Point

There are a number of different techniques for measuring HCDP. 

1. Cooled Mirror Dew Scope

This requires the operator to view a mirror over which the sample has flowed; it is then cooled. When the first drops of condensation begin is the temperature that is recorded.

2. Gas Chromatograph

This method is used to determine the concentration of each hydrocarbon element through the equation of state calculations. The condensing point of each component is identified and calculated to provide a hydrocarbon dew point for the whole mixture. However, there are limitations to this device, and the calculations can be inaccurate.

3. Automatic Optical Condensation Dew Point Analyzer

These instruments function similarly to the cooled mirror dew scope. The device has an optical surface with a depression which usually refracts light unevenly. A light is shined on this surface, and a photodetector looks at the image of the light shining back. A thermoelectric device cools the surface until condensation appears; this condensation alters the reflective properties of the surface. The mirror temperature is recorded with the desired level of condensation is seen.

 Find the Equipment & Services You Need Here Today

At 24/7 Compression, we offer services and packages for any facility, large or small. In addition, we have knowledge and experience in hydrocarbon dew point control. Contact us today for your gas compression needs.

When working with natural gas compression and similar equipment, it is inevitable to produce methane emissions. In addition, the growing production and utilization of natural gas in Canada has undoubtedly increased methane production.

What Exactly Is Methane?

Methane is a colourless, highly flammable gas. The primary usage of methane gas is everything we need that requires natural gas; this includes cooking and heating. For industrial companies, it is used to produce plastic, fertilizers and more.

Consequently, methane is a primary contributor to hazardous air pollutants and potent greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases trap and hold the heat in the atmosphere, which warms the Earth's surface. You may also know this as Global Warming. That said, natural gas burns much cleaner as long as it's contained. That means fewer harmful emissions overall than diesel or gasoline. 

Cleaner Natural Gas Conversions

Though eliminating methane emissions isn't possible, at 24/7 Compression, we are committed to providing greener solutions. After extensive job creation, roughly 15,000 person-hours, we're proud to have finished converting 25 Waukesha L7042GL lean burn technology engines to the new Waukesha L7044GSIS5 with catalyst miller cycle technology.

Pre-Conversion

Post-Conversion

With methane abetment and emission reduction being the key focus point on this project, completing this was a great success and will positively impact our environment! Not only does this reduce the carbon footprint, but other benefits include a reduction in tier tax, additional HP, and having robust and reliable equipment.

Notable Emission Reductions

After the engine conversion, we reduced the total CO2e equal to 26,820 tonnes CO2e/year. This is the same as taking 8217 passenger cars off the road, the same as 17,933 homes' electricity use for one year! If this isn't huge, then we don't know what is.

Choose 24/7 Compression Today For Fuel Conversion Needs

We specialize in gas compression equipment and power generation packages. If you'd like to reduce your carbon footprint, contact us! We have locations in Alberta and British Columbia.

So you have a new generator, and you aren't sure if it is ready for a steady workload. Like any engine, generators require preparation before they can be used regularly. Breaking in a generator helps prolong the life of your equipment.

What is Breaking in a Generator?

When you break in a generator engine, you ensure that the pistons and rings in the engine wear grooves into the chamber's walls. Then, allowing oil to lubricate these components every time the generator is running correctly. 

In general, it refers to letting your generator run and changing its oil a few times. We do this so that the oil can travel through parts to make them more active and gives the engine a smoother performance. Thus decreasing the possibility of any parts breaking inside the engine.

How to Break in a Generator

1. Start with the manual

The most crucial step is to read the manufacturer's instruction manual. I know everyone says to read the instructions, and most people don't, but this is very important. The owner's manual can provide specific information about your particular generator, like what type of oil it needs, frequency of oil changes, and recommended fuel. Make sure to read this manual. You don't want to do anything that could lead to voiding the warranty.

2. Get the necessary supplies

You'll need to gather a few items to break in the generator. First, make sure you have gasoline; check what type of gasoline the manual has recommended. If there is none, try to get the best quality gasoline, one with the highest octane. The second item will be oil. Again, refer back to the manual for what the manufacturer recommends. Next, you will need oil conditioner; this will help reduce dry starts, which are detrimental to engines. And finally, a funnel to help you pour in the liquids quickly and mess-free. 

3. Fill the oil reservoir and run

Next, it is essential to fill your oil reservoir. Before all this, it is a good idea to remove the spark plug and pour the oil conditioner into the spark plug chamber. Now, fill the oil reservoir with the recommended oil. Then add the recommended amount of fuel if the first pull doesn't start your engine. Do not panic. It may need a few tries before getting it running. Once started, let the generator run for one hour with no load. Drain the oil and filter out all metal fragments from the engine when you're done running it.

4. Repeat step 3 a few times

Repeat this a couple more times, and each time pour some oil conditioner before pouring in the oil. After draining the oil for the second time, you can add a 500 watt load during the final run.

You have now successfully broken in your generator! Never neglect regular maintenance. Ensure you are properly maintaining your generator to prolong its life. 

Need a New Generator? 

At 24/7 Compression, we offer custom natural gas, diesel and propane power generator packages. Our experienced team of professionals can effectively analyze your needs to find the most efficient equipment to execute your project. If you have any questions about generators, contact us today!