Archrock (NYSE: AROC)

Compression maintains the integrity and efficiency of the natural gas supply chain. Without it, transporting gas from wellheads to processing plants and distribution networks would be impossible. For more than seven decades, Archrock (NYSE: AROC) has perfected this essential service, providing unmatched reliability and performance to the midstream oil and gas market.

Archrock has expertly navigated industry shifts and technological evolution to deliver top-tier contract compression and aftermarket services. As the premier provider of natural gas compression in the U.S., it offers comprehensive services that include installation, operation and maintenance of all aspects of gas compression production. Simply stated, it compresses a customer’s tendered gas stream, increasing its pressure for further transportation down the pipe toward final monetization.

“Our customers demand an integrated, worry-free gas compression experience that maximizes uptime, and we strive to deliver it without fail,” says Jason G. Ingersoll, Senior Vice President of Sales and Operations Support.

Comprehensive Services for Every Need

For businesses looking to optimize capital allocation, Archrock’s contract compression service is a cost-effective alternative to purchasing expensive compression equipment and engaging experienced Field Service Technicians to maintain, repair and operate it. Archrock’s offering includes the use of an Archrock-owned all-inclusive compressor package—comprising a driver (engine or motor), a compressor and all other associated equipment—together with the most skilled and trained Field Service Technicians in the industry to help ensure safe and reliable operations, all for a fixed, nominal monthly fee. With contract compression services, customers can redirect capital investment into alternate aspects of their operations, which will bolster their bottom line.

Innovative technologies augment Archrock’s world-class technical expertise. By deploying advanced telemetry, remote monitoring and machine learning, Archrock’s system anticipates and helps prevent equipment failures through targeted, preemptive actions. This predictive approach enables maximized, reliable runtimes and empowers customers to be confident that they will be assisted in moving more gas.

Maintaining peak performance is non-negotiable in this specialized industry. Archrock’s aftermarket services support the repair needs of businesses that own compression equipment and help them maximize productivity. Its expert operations, maintenance, overhaul and reconfiguration services maintain critical infrastructure in optimal condition, helping to prevent costly disruptions and extending the lifespan of valuable assets.

The Archrock Edge

With a focus on large-horsepower natural gas fired compressors and electric motor drive (EMD) compressors across a large range of horsepower categories, Archrock’s fleet’s versatility empowers the company to handle projects of virtually any type and scale in the upstream and midstream markets in which they focus.

Benefitting from Archrock’s nationwide footprint and the diverse range of available equipment, customers can capitalize on the highest-quality natural gas compression fleet, mobilized strategically and proactively maintained by the most experienced team of natural gas compressor technicians in the U.S.

Success is driven by the Archrock team operating day and night to surpass expectations, enable swift response to demands and consistently maximize customer satisfaction. Every employee undergoes extensive safety and operational training, which qualifies and equips them with the specialized knowledge that helps anticipate and manage any complex challenges encountered. Based on their experience level, they may spend up to six months working with a mentor. Employees also undergo comprehensive leadership and management training, as well as ethics and other legal compliance training geared toward employees of a publicly traded organization.

Excellence in safety is a core value at Archrock. Its Target Zero™ program is emblematic of a safety culture that permeates every facet of its operations. Their annual Pinnacle Awards, which includes a safety-focused award, acknowledges and further incentives employees to not just voice, but also live Archrock’s safety culture. The result is a world-class safety record and a largely incident-free work environment that inspires everyone to be proactive and focused on best practices.

“When we send an employee out, not only are they qualified and capable to maintain, repair and operate our equipment, but they’re trained to do it safely, minimizing risks to people and property on location,” says Ingersoll.

Technical Ingenuity in Action

Archrock has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt and overcome challenges in a volatile market, in the face of tumultuous weather or in the context of any other challenges that may be encountered on the job. Whether scaling up compression capacity during high-demand periods or implementing energy-efficient solutions to align with sustainability goals, its flexible approach gives customers a competitive edge.

Production hindrance due to extreme weather conditions is an increasingly relevant industry-wide challenge. For instance, soaring summer temperatures in Texas disrupt operations by putting compression equipment under increased strain. Although the machinery is designed for a wide range of ambient conditions, extreme heat makes it challenging to maintain optimal operating temperatures, in some cases hindering the ability of the equipment to be run at full capacity.

Due to sweltering heat, a customer in Texas faced production delays that threatened to disrupt supply chains and cause millions in lost revenue. After intensive consultations with data scientists, Archrock’s local mechanic devised an innovative fix for the problem.

By collecting real-time data and analyzing the patterns of the equipment’s performance, the team determined that operating at less than full capacity could help alleviate any excessive heat. The unit’s load was reduced during peak heat hours, allowing the equipment to operate continuously. After the temperature normalized, the unit was ramped back to full capacity, restoring optimal production. All tasks were completed remotely using advanced telemetry, eliminating the need for an on-site operator.

During extreme cold conditions, on-skid telemetry and edge devices once again keep equipment operating efficiently, ensuring the customer can move gas when the demand is at its highest.

Leading with a Future-Focused Approach

Archrock prioritizes adopting new ideas and expanding into other complementary business areas. Strategically focusing on new ventures, it explores ways to enhance the primary compression business and contribute to the broader oil and gas industry by promoting cleaner, more efficient operations.

To address critical environmental issues like methane and carbon dioxide emissions, Archrock has made targeted technology investments. For example, it offers integrated methane gas monitoring and detection solutions in partnership with Ecotec, a company specializing in designing and developing customized methane monitoring, detection and compliance equipment. Ecotec’s laser-based methane detection technology allows field personnel to accurately identify and repair on-site methane leaks, eliminating the risks of potential hazards.

Archrock’s commitment to reducing methane emissions is evident in the development of a patented methane capture technology known as Carbon Hawk™. The system, designed to sit alongside up to five gas compression units, captures fugitive methane emissions that can escape into the atmosphere during normal operations. The captured methane is then pressurized and returned to the compression stream. The technology achieves all this without moving parts or needing external electricity, a valuable feature in locations where power is sometimes scarce.

Recognizing the environmental implications of carbon dioxide emissions from engine exhaust, Archrock also invested in Ionada, a global company focused on small-scale carbon capture technology. Ionada’s novel solution is designed to directly capture carbon dioxide from exhaust emissions and then sequester and re-purpose it. Currently in the research and development phase, the technology holds great potential, and Archrock is keen to help support their development of that technology further for commercial use.

By staying true to its core competency in compression while embracing new solutions, Archrock honors its 70-plus-year legacy in natural gas compression. Adapting to evolving needs, it propels the oil and gas industry toward a cleaner future.