Methane is the second most abundant anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) after carbon dioxide: it is estimated1 that its concentration in the atmosphere is approximately 2.6x higher than the pre-industrial levels and this contributes for at least 25% of the global warming.

As methane is the main component of natural gas, a strong reduction of its emissions in the atmosphere is paramount.

The turbomachinery normally used in the gas industry can release emissions of natural gas: its recovery represents both a challenge and an opportunity.

Baker Hughes has developed a methane emissions recovery system able to reduce emissions capturing gas vent flows as primary vents of centrifugal compressor seals and the compressor loop blowdown vent and reinject it into a plant live section for its reuse.

As part of Enagás’ Decarbonization Strategy, this system has been successfully installed and commissioned in Spain at the Enagás’ Lumbier station and is capable to save about 3,400 tCO2e per year2.