Abstract The compressor is the heartbeat of the natural gas pipeline system. Regardless of natural gas price, it is imperative that compressors, irrespective of purpose, remain operating in their most optimized state. The definition of "optimized" might be different for the spectrum of owners / operators in the natural gas industry. "Optimized" can imply any arrangement of maximum throughput, fuel efficiency, reliability, constant suction pressure, or availability; depending on the priority and array of the compressor's owner, operator, operating conditions and working requirements. However, for any particular combination of suction and discharge pressures, every compressor has a specific loading profile in which every horsepower available can be utilized as efficiently as possible. Additionally, considering today's ever-tightening environmental standards, optimized compressor operation translates to lower emissions.