With deregulation, the natural-gas industry can transport product further to reach new markets, but it must meet tighter environmental restrictions. Gas-pipeline companies and electrical utilities are meeting this challenge by installing electrical compressors instead of gas turbines or reciprocating engines at compressor stations.
Natural gas is compressed at strategically positioned stations along the pipeline route.
However, this equipment emits nitrogen oxides. The Nox levels could violate Clean Air Act limits unless expensive modifications are made. One solution is to use electrical compressors, which do not emit Nox. Capital costs may be 40 percent less than those of gas turbines. In addition, electrical compressors run more quietly, a key consideration near populous areas.