Gas Compression
Vapor Recovery Units
Vapor recovery units are used to capture hydrocarbon vapours generated during oil and gas production, storage, loading and processing. Instead of venting or flaring low-pressure gas streams, VRU systems recover vapour and compress it for return to the process, sales gas systems, fuel gas use or controlled treatment.
Across upstream facilities, storage terminals, tank batteries and process sites, compressors play a central role in moving recovered vapours from low-pressure sources into usable or manageable gas streams.
Compression process
Vapor Recovery Units — Process, Applications & Compressor Role
Vapor recovery units capture hydrocarbon vapours generated during oil and gas production, storage, loading and processing operations. Instead of venting or flaring these low-pressure gas streams, VRU systems compress recovered vapour for return to the process, sales gas systems, fuel gas use or controlled treatment. Vapour composition, flow rates and operating pressures vary widely depending on the source — tank batteries, separators, stabilisation systems and loading terminals each present distinct conditions.
Compressors in vapor recovery service are selected around low suction pressure, variable gas flow and the composition of the recovered hydrocarbon stream. Recovered vapours may contain light and heavier hydrocarbon fractions, water vapour, H₂S or other contaminants depending on the site and process conditions. Compressors may operate continuously or cycle in response to tank pressure, vapour volume or process demand, with reciprocating, rotary screw, rotary vane and scroll designs all used across the sector.
Tank Vapour Recovery
VRUs are commonly installed on crude oil, condensate and product storage tanks to capture vapours generated by breathing losses, flashing and loading activity.
Flash Gas Recovery
Recovered vapour may originate from separators, stabilisers or pressure reduction points where lighter hydrocarbons are released from liquid streams.
Loading & Terminal Vapour Handling
Vapor recovery systems can support truck, rail, marine and terminal loading operations where hydrocarbon vapour must be captured and routed safely.
Low-Pressure Hydrocarbon Gas Compression
VRU compressors are typically designed around low suction pressure, variable flow rates and hydrocarbon-rich gas streams with site-specific operating demands.
Related Applications
Explore Other Gas Compression Applications
Industrial and specialty gas compression is one part of a broader gas compression landscape. NEXT Lubricants also supports the following applications.
CO₂ Compression
Compression of carbon dioxide in carbon capture, industrial CO₂ supply and process applications where high-pressure CO₂ handling requires specific consideration.
Gas Gathering & Processing
Compression of associated gas and processed gas streams from wellhead collection through NGL extraction, dehydration and condensate stabilisation ahead of pipeline export.
Petrochemical Gas Compression
Process gas compression in petrochemical manufacturing where gas streams include reactive and specialty components under demanding operating conditions.
Hydrocarbon Gas Compression
Process gas compression in oil refining and gas processing across a range of hydrocarbon gas streams and operating conditions.