The Bakken Formation in North Dakota is home to some of the largest oil and natural gas reserves in the U.S., with over 17,000 active oil wells. Compressed air plays a critical role in the operations there, powering natural gas compressors, activating instruments, and supplying air for oil well applications. However, in early 2024, the U.S. government introduced a new regulation banning the common practice of flame-off — the burning of excess natural gas released during extraction. This regulatory shift requires companies to upgrade their compressed air systems to capture and repurpose the excess gas, rather than burning it.
In response to this challenge, Industrial Equipment Sales & Services (IESS) developed the “Air Source One” package, which is now operational in the Bakken Formation. This solution integrates ELGi EN Series rotary screw compressors housed in a compact 6 ft x 12 ft enclosure, complete with an integrated heater and ventilation system. The system’s design allows a regenerative air dryer to be mounted directly on the compressor tank, enabling the compression and reinjection of excess natural gas back into the oil reservoir. This compact, all-in-one package is durable and ideal for placement near oil well sites.
IESS chose the ELGi EN Series compressors for their compactness, ease of service, and the ability to mount a dryer directly on the compressor, optimizing the limited space at remote oil field sites. The compressors offer a range of power options from 4 hp to 20 hp, with a capacity of up to 150 psi. A duplex compressor option is also available for redundancy, ensuring reliability in areas where quick maintenance is not feasible.
“With the new regulations, our Air Source One system with ELGi air compressors is essential for companies to continue operating efficiently while adhering to environmental standards,” said Randy Schlossin, Sales Representative at IESS.
A Focus on Durability and Ease of Maintenance
IESS emphasizes the EN Series compressors’ ease of maintenance, making them especially suited for oil field applications. The compressors feature easily removable side panels for quick access during servicing, and parts for preventative maintenance can be replaced with minimal effort. With belt drives designed to last up to 10,000 hours, the EN Series compressors also come with ELGi’s industry-leading warranty, which includes a six-year warranty on the air end and a five-year package warranty.
Thanks to the proven reliability of the ELGi EN Series air compressors, we can provide end-users with the most cost-effective and dependable dry air, even in the most remote locations, Schlossin added. This capability extends to supporting flame-off operations and beyond, ensuring continuous and reliable service regardless of environmental conditions or operational challenges.
A Strong Partnership Built on Trust
IESS and ELGi have forged a long-standing partnership based on trust and reliability. IESS manages the installation of new compressed air systems, field service, and parts inventory, while ELGi’s technical support team provides troubleshooting, maintenance assistance, and ensures optimal performance of IESS’s compressors. The two teams work in tandem to guarantee quick response times and minimize downtime for customers.
Our entire business is built on providing excellent service and ensuring our customers’ operations continue without interruption,” said Schlossin. “The ELGi support team has been invaluable, offering years of expertise to guide us in the right direction. Together, we’re well-positioned to meet our customers’ needs and maintain smooth operations in even the most challenging environments.
