If you’ve ever struggled to empty liquid and vapour from your tanks or had to prolong the procedure because your compressor failed halfway through, we have a solution for you:
The GEM Compressor.
Produced by MAKEEN Gas Equipment UK, the GEM compressor provides a reliable, cost-effective solution for liquid transfer and vapour recovery. The GEM is a portable compressor that, despite its small size, can handle BIG tasks. It removes liquid and vapour from surface and underground tanks, enabling safe valve replacement and tank exchange. It’s as reliable as it is efficient.
Features
- Compact design ~19.7 inches / 50cm tall.
- Lightweight ~132 lbs / 50 kg.
- Emissions-compliant.
- Solid, puncture-resistant tires.
- Integrated lifting eye.
- Diesel powered with an easy pull start.
- Includes a spark arrestor and emergency stop for your safety.
- Removable handle
Cost-effective.
The GEM compressor works so well that it will actually save you money! The GEM will quickly earn back your initial investment, as it is extraordinarily cost-efficient to run, with minimal need for repairs. It is ideal for vapour recovery prior to nitrogen purging, minimizing product loss and emissions.
Versatile.
The GEM compressor covers a broad range of your needs. It is compatible with both surface or underground tanks, and it can evacuate vapour, including boiling off the heel, without using a flare. It can also be used safely in residential areas.
Portable.
For a portable unit, convenience comes first. With its compact design, the GEM compressor is easy to lift and move, even on uneven surfaces. It also has a removable handle for easy storage. Wherever the job is, the GEM compressor can get there, no bobtail needed!
Take a look at how it operates
Interested in learning even more? Our American colleagues have put together a video with step-by-step instructions for using the GEM, along with a demonstration of some of its best features. You can see for yourself how easy the GEM compressor is to start and use!
Check it out on our MAKEEN Gas Equipment YouTube channel here.
Customer testimonials
From companies both big and small, these customer testimonials attest to the GEM’s performance, suitability for the job, and the versatility of GEM compressors for different user profiles.
Customer testimonial from Calor Gas, the largest LPG company in the UK
“We have been using GEM compressors for an extended period across a range of demanding site operations in the UK for the transfer of LPG, and they have consistently delivered excellent performance. The units are well-suited to the work we undertake, providing reliability and dependable operation in sometimes challenging environments. Their robust build quality has proven itself over time, giving us confidence that the equipment can withstand the rigours of daily use.
The support and service provided by MAKEEN has also been excellent. Any queries or maintenance requirements have been dealt with promptly and professionally, helping to keep our equipment operational and our operations on schedule.
Overall, our experience with GEM compressors has been very positive. Their reliability, durability, ease of maintenance, and strong aftersales support make them a valuable asset, and we would have no hesitation in recommending them to others looking for a dependable compressor solution.”
Tony Wright, Crane Team Supervisor (South), Calor Gas. A long-term user of MAKEEN Gas Equipment’s GEM compressor.
Learn why customers trust the GEM
Emptying the liquid and vapour from your tanks is a necessary step in maintaining the health and safety of your equipment, so it’s important that you have a trustworthy machine that gets the job done as quickly, safely, and as inexpensively as possible.
Watch this video testimonial from Paul Norris, taken at the NPGA 2026 expo, to hear why he believes that every gas retailer should have a GEM.
Customer testimonial from AvantiGas
“AvantiGas operates across numerous UK sites, with vessel-to-vessel LPG transfer and vapour recovery being regular tasks for our engineering teams. We’ve used GEM compressors, or “Puffin Billy” as it’s often known, for decades in these roles.
Safety and efficiency are our biggest drivers. The appeal for us is the unit’s compact footprint, diesel power and 50 kg weight, meaning it fits on a standard engineer’s van, so each engineer can carry their own rather than depending on shared equipment. This takes friction out of scheduling maintenance and tank work.
Reliability has been strong across the team, with downtime and unplanned repairs not being features of our experience, which matters when a compressor failure mid-task extends the exposure window on a live job. Service and maintenance have been manageable within our normal maintenance regime.
Overall, the GEM has been a practical fit for the way we work across remote decentralised sites, with dependence on kit that performs consistently.”
Ben Bunting, Head of Engineering, AvantiGas Ltd. A long-term user of MAKEEN Gas Equipment’s GEM compressor.
