Compressor stations are integral to the movement of natural gas through the pipeline gathering systems, utilizing machines called compressors to pressurize the gas in order to move it from point A to point B. Compressors can either be used at the wellhead, or they can be centrally located along the pipeline. The number of compressors in a general area will vary based on the amount of gas produced from nearby wells, the size of the pipeline and the distance the gas has to travel to the nearest market line.
At compressor stations, the natural gas is treated to industry standards. The gas is brought to the right pressure for safe and efficient transport through the pipeline network. Any remaining water vapor is then filtered out of the gas stream using separator vessels and a dehydration unit. These stations can be quiet and non-invasive — similar to other public utility stations around town, which most people seldom notice.
In urban areas, compressor stations are often enclosed within state-of-the-art
acoustical buildings to dramatically reduce sound coming from the facility.
Safe, Quiet Transport
Chesapeake’s compressor stations are safe, securely fenced and often, in urban settings, they are enclosed within sound walls or buildings that significantly reduce sound, enabling energy companies to meet sound-quality standards set forth by local municipal ordinances. Urban compressor stations in acoustical buildings are visually appealing and blend in with surrounding structures and buildings.
Compressor stations are monitored 24/7 through the use of remote telemetry equipment and daily inspections. To ensure maximum safety, natural gas pipelines and compressor stations are highly regulated at the federal and state levels. Pipelines — and all related facilities (e.g., compressor stations or valve sites) — are governed by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Railroad Commission of Texas. In addition, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regulates interstate transportation and marketing of natural gas in interstate commerce.
Compressor stations are utilitarian fixtures much like electrical substations, water storage tanks and transmission towers. Without them, the ability to heat homes,cook food and power businesses would not be possible.
An acoustical building enclosing this compressor station mitigates sound so
successfully that patrons at a nearby hotel don’t even notice it.