Compressor fuelled by gas from mine de-methanation

A compressor-gas unit station, consisting of a container containing a gas engine with a mechanical power of approximately 400 kW, consuming 1.7 Nm3 CH4 /min supplying a compressor with a capacity of 2560m3/h, together with ancillary equipment, including an electrical generator of approximately 28 kVA to supply the motor and compressor's own needs, heat recovery exchangers, a 0.4 kV switchgear for own needs, compressed air and heat energy outlet. The container is protected against corrosion, insulated, soundproofed and suitable for operation even in winter conditions. It has its own forced ventilation to ensure heat dissipation from the motor and compressor is also secured with the correct level of explosion safety.

Reciprocating internal combustion engines for mine gas are characterised by very high efficiency in the latest designs close to that of diesel engines. Emissions of harmful exhaust constituents, especially CO and NOx, are considerably lower than with diesel engines, which is why modern spark-ignition gas engines are considered to be exceptionally clean and environmentally friendly.

The use of gaseous fuel for the combined production of compressed air energy, electricity and heat using multi-cylinder reciprocating engines has many advantages:
- the system has very high efficiency, unattainable by other solutions
- has very favourable movement properties and can be used in a wide range of loads from 50 to 100%