Houston, TX (May 3, 2010) - Cook Compression and Thomassen Compression Systems announced an agreement naming Cook Compression as the exclusive provider of Thomassen Free Floating Piston^TM (FFP^TM) technology in North America. Under terms of the agreement, Cook Compression manufactures and markets Free Floating Pistons, backed by Thomassen engineering support.

Patented Free Floating Piston technology offers substantial savings in maintenance and downtime for operators of non-lubricated reciprocating compressors. It virtually eliminates wear on rider bands - one of the most frequent and unpredictable sources of component failure. The technology is capable of extending rider band life to three years or more, with no measurable decrease in compressor efficiency.

How FFP Works

Free Floating Piston technology reduces rider band wear by equipping the compressor piston with a gas bearing. This allows the piston to float freely on a cushion of process gas. Rider band-to-cylinder contact takes place only for very short intervals during start-ups and stops. Free Floating pistons can be retrofitted on virtually any existing reciprocating compressor used in refinery and oil and gas service.

"The Free Floating piston is a major breakthrough in wear reduction," said Don York, President of Cook Compression. "It has been proven effective - both mechanically and in terms of the customer's return on investment - in numerous applications throughout the world. We are excited to bring this innovation to operators in North America."

"We are pleased to partner with Thomassen Compression," added York, - a company with a long history of quality products and inventive solutions. Adding Free Floating Piston technology to the wealth of resources available through Cook Compression gives our customers a broad range of options to significantly extend compressor run-times and cut their costs of operation."

About Thomassen Compression Systems

Thomassen Compression Systems is a global provider of tailor-made compression solutions to the oil, gas, refining and chemical industries. Thomassen designs, builds, installs, monitors, maintains and repairs all types of compressions systems, including auxiliary equipment used in conjunction with reciprocating compressors. Thomassen engages in fundamental research and has developed innovative technologies to save time and reduce costs for compressor operators.

Thomassen Compression Systems meets or exceeds API and ISO technical specifications. Thomassen operates a quality management system conforming to NEN-EN-ISO 9001:2000 standards.

For more information, visit www.thomassen.com.