In November 2016, ENVIA Energy completed the construction of the first-ever microchannel gas-to-liquid plant in the United States. While both large- and small-scale biomass plants capture methane produced from biomass dump sites around the world — biomass plant technology is decades old — microchannel plants are a new and unique technology.

The need for sustainable energy is reaching critical proportions. Current fuel sources release harmful greenhouse gases, and they will eventually run out. Alternative energy sources (such as wind or solar) have come a long way, but they are unlikely to meet energy demands in the foreseeable future. Even when homes get to a zero-emission point, it is important to note the sheer amount of energy consumed for industrial use. Large manufacturing plants can gulp as much energy as entire cities or even some countries.

Steam methane reforming (SMR) is the most common process for producing hydrogen-rich synthesis gas (syngas) from light hydrocarbons like natural gas, biogas and refinery feedstock.

Concerns about greenhouse gases and the negative environmental impact of modern fuel sources have led to technological advances. Cleaner energy is a must manufacturing grows. Natural gas plants produce much of the energy needed, but it must meet regulatory standards for purity. Carbon capture technology is one of the ways natural gas plants can minimize the environmental impact of this energy source.

Many plant managers aren't clear on why a skid-mounted system is better than a traditional compressor station, or they may believe that skid-mounted systems only work as a temporary solution. But skid-mounted systems have several powerful advantages that place them head and shoulders above traditional compressors, and they work very well as permanent equipment in a plant.