Black & Veatch and Exterran Energy Solutions, L.P. (“Exterran”) are joining forces to reduce capital and operating costs, improve natural gas liquid product yields and enhance system flexibility for natural gas processors. The two companies have signed an exclusive agreement to develop modular natural gas processing units in North America. The modular units will feature Black & Veatch’s patented PRICO-C2 process.

“Midstream operators will quickly recognize the value of the PRICO-C2 process,” said William Sayre, Exterran Vice President of Product Lines and Marketing. “This technology is proven to deliver high ethane recovery rates while saving 10 percent or more energy than other technologies. 

Under the agreement, Exterran will design and build modular units that feature the Black & Veatch technology. Together, Black & Veatch and Exterran will market these units to natural gas processors across North America. The benefits of a modular design over conventional construction include lower capital costs, shorter schedules and predictable results.

“In addition to significant bottom line advantages, clients using these units will benefit from more flexible operations,” said John George, manager within Black & Veatch’s oil & gas business line. “The PRICO-C2 process is less affected by variations in feed gas composition or flow rates. This is ideal for clients whose gas composition could change or is not yet well defined.”