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Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM

Looking for ways to ensure its status as the world's second-largest exporter of liquefied petroleum gas, the government of Algeria determined in 2007 that an upgrade to the gas compressor technology at its 20 LPG distribution terminals was in order. After performing thorough due diligence, NAFTAL — the governmental agency that oversees the operation of the LPG terminals — insisted on Blackmer gas compressor technology.

For the upgrade, NAFTAL chose Blackmer LB601-LU Model single-stage, oil-free, base-mounted reciprocating gas compressors. Operation of the LB gas compressors creates a low-pressure area in the compression chamber when the piston moves from the highest point of the stroke to the lowest point, forcing the gaseous product (which is at a higher pressure) to move into the compression chamber. The gas is then displaced when the piston moves to the top of the stroke. This pressurization is critical in transferring LPG from a railcar to a transport truck. In addition, the compressors are also capable of recovering vapors, which can add an equivalent of 3% capacity to every load.

The first compressor was installed, under the supervision of Al Buhler, Blackmer's International LPG sales manager and senior PSG product specialist, in fall 2008, with the rest of the equipment installed at the other terminals locations by year's end. There, the compressors play a pivotal role in the loading and unloading of railcars and large transport trucks, which deliver the LPG to substations throughout the nation, from which the fuel is distributed for mainly household heating. The installations have been such a success that Buhler anticipates additional compressor orders from NAFTAL this year.

For more information, contact Tom Stone at (616) 248-9252 or e-mail stone@blackmer.com.