KB Delta CEO says compressor downtime is changing how operators evaluate parts

Natural gas compression operators are placing greater emphasis on equipment availability and lifecycle costs as compressor utilization increases, according to George Giourof, CEO of KB Delta.

For operators of large compression fleets, particularly rental companies, the cost of an individual replacement component is becoming less important than the financial consequences of equipment downtime.

“Ultimately, the question is becoming less about, ‘What does the part cost?’ and more about, ‘What does it cost us if that compressor isn’t running?’” Giourof said during COMPRESSORTech2’s 2026 Executive Roundtable.

Giourof said LNG development and power generation will be among the strongest drivers of compression demand over the next five years, with data centers contributing to growing electricity requirements.

Those developments will increase the volumes of gas that must be gathered, processed and transported, placing greater demands on compression equipment.

Changing operating conditions affect component life

Operators increasingly expect longer maintenance intervals while running equipment at higher utilization rates.

“Customers are expecting longer component life while at the same time running equipment harder and allowing less time for maintenance,” Giourof said.

That combination can create challenges for compressor valves and other components, particularly when operating conditions change.

George Giorof

According to Giourof, recurring valve failures are not necessarily the result of defective parts or ordinary wear.

Changes in gas composition, pressure ranges, operating speed, pulsation and compressor loading can affect valve performance and service life.

“When customers begin seeing repeated failures or shorter-than-expected service life, the important question is not simply what part needs to be replaced,” he said. “It is whether something in the application has changed.”

The increased focus on application-specific component selection is creating opportunities for aftermarket suppliers.

Giourof pointed to advances in engineered thermoplastics, including carbon-filled PEEK, as alternatives to traditional valve component materials such as Nylon 6/6 and Nylon 4/6.

Metallic materials remain appropriate for applications where operating temperatures, loading conditions or other requirements favor their use.

The important consideration, he said, is matching materials and component designs to actual operating conditions rather than applying the same solution across different applications.

Field experience remains essential

Giourof also expressed concern about the industry’s ability to replace experienced compressor maintenance personnel.

Although new technicians may have strong technical training, interpreting actual compressor operating conditions often requires experience that cannot be acquired entirely in a classroom.

He also cautioned against relying exclusively on software, analytical models and maintenance reports when making equipment decisions.

“Technical education and technology provide important tools, but they should support real-world experience, not replace it,” Giourof said.

As experienced mechanics retire, he believes operators and service companies will need to place greater emphasis on mentoring and practical training.

Looking ahead, Giourof expects rising gas throughput and equipment utilization to create opportunities for suppliers capable of demonstrating longer component life and reduced maintenance requirements.

However, equipment availability, parts lead times and workforce shortages could limit the industry’s ability to capitalize on that demand.

Adapted from COMPRESSORTech2’s November 2026 Executive Roundtable.