Technical Guidance Document Number 4: Reciprocating Compressors Rod Seal/Packing Vents

This document provides technical guidance to Partners of the CCAC Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP). It is one in a series describing a core source of methane emissions from oil and natural gas production operations.

Reciprocating compressors in the oil and gas industry commonly emit natural gas (where methane is the main component) during normal operation and during standby under pressure. These emissions can be vented from the rod packing and blowdowns or as fugitives from the various compressor components.