Blog

5 Applications of Vent Gas Capture Systems in Natural Gas Operations

247_compression_industrial_natural_gas_facility.png

Vent Gas Capture Systems (VGCS) are a powerful tool in reducing methane emissions in natural gas operations. In Canada, where emissions regulations are tightening and taxes are on the rise, the demand for VGCS in industrial environments is growing steadily. 

If you're managing an upstream or midstream facility and searching for practical ways to reduce vented methane, improve ESG performance, or meet regulations like Canada's federal methane reduction rules, this guide is for you. 

Below is a breakdown of the top industrial applications for VGCS and why each offers a high-impact opportunity. 

1. Natural Gas Well Sites 

Natural gas wells often release methane during unloading, startup, or maintenance events. VGCSs can intercept these emissions, routing them to storage or combustion instead of venting to the atmosphere. Vent gas capture at well sites is especially helpful on remote well pads where continuous flaring is not permitted or economically feasible. 

2. Compressor Stations 

Compressors vent gas during startup/shutdown cycles, packing/blowdown, and when pressurized components are depressurized. Installing VGCS at these locations helps reduce methane loss from blowdown vents, seals, and pressure relief valves. Methane capture system for compressor stations thereby address key sources targeted under Directive 060 in Alberta. 

3. Tank Battery Facilities 

Tank batteries used for oil and gas separation can emit large volumes of flash gas when crude oil is dumped into storage. VGCS units can function as part of a vapour recovery system (VRU), capturing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and methane for reinjection or flaring. Therefore, vapour recovery and vent gas capture for tank batteries serves a dual purpose of reducing emissions and fuel consumption. 

4. Dehydration Units 

Triethylene glycol (TEG) dehydrators often vent water-saturated gas during regeneration. These streams may contain significant methane and BTEX compounds. This is where vent capture for TEG dehydrators comes into play. VGCS can be used to collect and route this gas to a flare or combustor, supporting regulatory compliance and reducing odour complaints.  

5. Gas Processing Plants 

In response to regulations around gas processing plant vent gas mitigation, processing plants include multiple sources of intermittent and continuous venting. This may include amine units, separator dumps, and storage tanks. VGCS units can be strategically deployed to capture these streams and reduce total site emissions, aiding in achieving facility-wide ESG targets. 

Why VGCS Are Most Valuable at High-Emission or Regulated Sites 

The value of VGCS systems scales with the volume and frequency of vented gas. Sites with: 

  • High methane throughput 
  • Tight emissions permit limits 
  • Carbon pricing exposure 
  • Routine maintenance blowdowns 

stand to gain the most—both environmentally and economically—from vent gas capture. 

Partner with Us to Design and Deploy VGCS for Your Site 

At 24/7 Compression, we help upstream and midstream operators across Canada identify, engineer, and install vent gas capture systems in accordance with their site conditions. Whether you're looking to reduce risk or improve your ESG profile, we bring the technical expertise and regulatory knowledge to get the job done. 

Ready to reduce your methane footprint? Contact our team today to discuss a VGCS solution customized for your facility.