As part of Clarus’ ongoing work to reduce our carbon emissions, Firstgas, a Clarus company has been using two Zero Emissions Vacuum Compressors (ZEVAC). The first was acquired in 2022 for the distribution network; and the second, much larger compressor was purchased for the transmission pipeline in 2023.
What is a Zero Emissions Vacuum Compressor?
ZEVAC is an air powered vacuum that captures gas, compresses it and then sends it back into the pipeline. Using the ZEVAC technology avoids venting gas into the atmosphere and is used regularly to capture small releases of gas that are then recycled back into the pipeline.
David Innes, Clarus’ Chief Engineer said, “We expect the ZEVAC to save up to 35 tonnes of carbon emissions each year within our planned maintenance work. We are also exploring other opportunities to realise significant potential emissions savings from our pipeline projects from year to year.
“The smaller ZEVAC compressor is used by the distribution team. However, the newer ZEVAC unit is capable of dealing with much higher pressures and gas volumes experienced in the transmission system,” David added.
On the job training
Terry Allen, Clarus Pipeline Specialist and others in the team spent a few days back in April 2023 training up on how to use the ZEVAC with help from Australasian sales agent, Tremco Pipelines.
“Initially I was a little dubious that the ZEVAC machine would work," said Terry. “I thought it would take a lot more time to complete jobs. But when I saw the ZEVAC in action, I realised that it’s a really good, and efficient system which will help reduce our carbon footprint every time we use it.
“I record the ZEVAC work on the transmission line so that we can calculate the emissions saved and add these up across the year,” Terry said.
Our commitment to reducing emissions
Clarus is a member of the New Zealand Climate Leaders Coalition and is working towards meeting its commitments under the Coalition’s 2022 Statement of Ambition. Clarus’ 2030 emissions reduction plan has a particular emphasis on reducing emissions in the distribution and transmission networks with the ZEVAC compressors and other initiatives including, the SELMA programme and the Kaitoke and Mokau compressor station upgrades.
To find out more go to: clarus.co.nz/about-us/sustainability