Machines, called compressors, are used to pressurize the gas in a pipeline to move it from one location to another location downstream. Compressors can either be used individually at the wellsite or grouped at a central location along the pipeline, called a compressor station. The number and size of compressors in a station 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 pipeline market.
At these compressor stations, natural gas is compressed to the required pressure for safe and efficient transport. The gas may also be cleaned and treated with other equipment located at the compressor stations to meet industry specifications. , For example, water vapor may be removed from the gas stream using vessels called separators or other dehydration equipment.