Inert Buffer Gas
Control System

Designed to Reduce Fugitive Emissions

The inert buffer gas control
system is available in standard
designs, or Dresser-Rand can
custom engineer a system to
meet your specifications.

Purging with inert buffer gas is an effective way to control and virtually eliminate
fugitive gas emissions from reciprocating compressors. Dresser-Rand offers an
inert buffer gas control system that will reliably distribute, control, and monitor
buffer gas at all points on your reciprocating compressor. Instrumentation allows
operators to simply and easily monitor buffer gas pressures as well as the condition
of buffered and seal packings. Automated alarm and/or shutdown capability also is
an option with this system.
Two types of pressure control are available – manual and automatic. Manual pressure control is used when venting to a constant pressure disposal (flare) or vapor
recovery system. Automatic pressure control is used when it’s necessary to maintain a buffer gas pressure 15 psig higher than a variable pressure disposal (flare)
or vapor recovery system, as recommended by API 618.

Features

Benefits

Central distribution

Controls and monitors all reciprocating compressor
buffer gas purge requirements from one location

Automatic pressure control

Maintains buffer gas purge pressure 15 psig above
plant gas disposal (flare) or vapor recovery system pressure as recommended by API 618

Automated monitoring

Activates alarm and/or shutdown in the event of a buffer
gas supply loss

Instrumentation

Enables simple and easy monitoring

Flow meters

Displays buffer gas flow rates to buffered packings
and distance pieces (changes in flow rates indicate an
increase in wear of the buffered and seal packings)

Compact design

Requires minimal space on compressor operating deck

Fully tested before delivery

Ensures Dresser-Rand quality and reliability