5900-107 Annual Reporting Form for International Partners

OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 09/30/2018

Company Information

Natural Gas STAR
International

Company Name:
Contact:
Title:
Address:

City, State/Province:
Country:
Telephone:
Fax:
E-mail:

This report contains emissions reductions data for [please specify
country and business unit(s)]*:

Annual Report
2013
Period of time covered by report:
From: __________

To: __________

International Annual Report Summary
Please provide information on the technologies and practices your company implemented and submit a report page for only
those activities.
This package includes the following:


Five Annual Reporting forms (please make additional copies, if necessary)



Additional Program Accomplishments form



Appendices including proposed methane emissions reduction technologies and conversion factors

Signature:

Date:

Natural Gas STAR International
Annual Report
OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 09/30/2018

*Please submit a separate annual reporting form for each country for which you are reporting emissions reductions.
In addition to reporting methane emissions reductions, you are welcome to include other information about your company’s
participation in Natural Gas STAR International in the “Additional Program Accomplishments” section of this form. Natural
Gas STAR International will use any information entered in this section to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of
outstanding partners.
EPA Form No. 5900-107

Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices
Current Year Activities
A. Facility/location identifier information:
B. Activity description: Please provide a separate reporting form for each technology or practice implemented. If reporting a DI&M
activity, please use a separate page for each location/facility surveyed.
Please specify the technology or practice that was implemented
(choose from the list in the Appendix or describe your own):

Please describe how your company implemented this activity
(including location or facility where implemented):

C. Industry Sector (please indicate in which industry sector you implemented this activity):
Production (from underground to wellhead)
Gathering and Processing (from gathering lines and processing plant to
the point gas transfers to transmission pipelines)

D. Level of Implementation (check one):

Transmission (transmission lines: from the point gas transfers to a
transmission pipeline to the point gas transfers to city gate stations,
including compressor stations along the transmission line(s))
Distribution (gate stations to customer connections)

E. Are emissions reductions a one-year reduction or a multiyear reduction?
One-year
Multi-year

Number of units installed:

units

Frequency of practice:

times/year

If Multi-year:
Partner will report this activity once and let EPA
automatically calculate future emission reductions based on
sunset date duration*.
Partner will report this activity annually up to allowed sunset
date.

F. Methane emissions reduction:

Mcf

Please identify the basis for the emissions reduction estimate. If needed, attach
calculations separately.

Actual field measurement
Calculation using manufacturer specifications/other source
Other (Please specify)

H. Total value of gas saved or other economic benefits (please
describe):
U.S. $
Total value of gas saved (in U.S. Dollars) = Methane emissions
reduction (in Mcf) x Gas value (in U.S. $/Mcf)
Additional Comments:

*Because the implementation of some technologies reduces emissions for

multiple years, Natural Gas STAR allows certain activities to count towards a
company’s emission reductions beyond the initial year of implementation. Natural
Gas STAR designates the maximum length of time that these reductions may
accrue as “sunset dates.” Appendix A lists these sunset dates. Companies can
report the corresponding methane emission reductions each year up to the
allowable sunset date. Or, companies may wish to report reductions only once for
the implementation year, and have EPA automatically apply the sunset date and
count those emissions for the allowable number of years.

G. Cost summary:
Estimated cost of implementing this activity (including
equipment and labor): U.S. $
I. To what extent do you expect to implement this activity next
year?

Natural Gas STAR International
Annual Report
OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 09/30/2018

Previous Years' Activities
Use the table below to report any past implementation of this technology or practice, but not previously reported to Natural Gas STAR
International.
Year
Frequency of Activity or # of
Total Cost of Activity
Estimated Reductions
Value of
Installations
(incl. equipment and labor) (U.S. $)
(Mcf/yr)
Gas Saved
(U.S. $)

Comments/Additional Benefits: Please describe any additional economic, operational, environmental, or safety benefits
achieved by implementing this technology or practice. Use the back of the page for additional space if needed.

Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices
Current Year Activities
A. Facility/location identifier information:
B. Activity description: Please provide a separate reporting form for each technology or practice implemented. If reporting a DI&M
activity, please use a separate page for each location/facility surveyed.
Please specify the technology or practice that was implemented
(choose from the list in the Appendix or describe your own):

Please describe how your company implemented this activity
(including location or facility where implemented):

C. Industry Sector (please indicate in which industry sector you implemented this activity):
Production (from underground to wellhead)
Gathering and Processing (from gathering lines and processing plant to
the point gas transfers to transmission pipelines)

D. Level of Implementation (check one):

Transmission (transmission lines: from the point gas transfers to a
transmission pipeline to the point gas transfers to city gate stations,
including compressor stations along the transmission line(s))
Distribution (gate stations to customer connections)

E. Are emissions reductions a one-year reduction or a multiyear reduction?
One-year
Multi-year

Number of units installed:

units

Frequency of practice:

times/year

If Multi-year:
Partner will report this activity once and let EPA
automatically calculate future emission reductions based on
sunset date duration*.
Partner will report this activity annually up to allowed sunset
date.

F. Methane emissions reduction:

Mcf

Please identify the basis for the emissions reduction estimate. If needed, attach
calculations separately.

Actual field measurement
Calculation using manufacturer specifications/other source
Other (Please specify)

H. Total value of gas saved or other economic benefits (please
describe):
U.S. $
Total value of gas saved (in U.S. Dollars) = Methane emissions
reduction (in Mcf) x Gas value (in U.S. $/Mcf)

*Because the implementation of some technologies reduces emissions for
multiple years, Natural Gas STAR allows certain activities to count towards a
company’s emission reductions beyond the initial year of implementation. Natural
Gas STAR designates the maximum length of time that these reductions may
accrue as “sunset dates.” Appendix A lists these sunset dates. Companies can
report the corresponding methane emission reductions each year up to the
allowable sunset date. Or, companies may wish to report reductions only once for
the implementation year, and have EPA automatically apply the sunset date and
count those emissions for the allowable number of years.

G. Cost summary:
Estimated cost of implementing this activity (including
equipment and labor): U.S. $
I. To what extent do you expect to implement this activity next
year?

Natural Gas STAR International
Annual Report
OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 09/30/2018

Additional Comments:

Previous Years' Activities
Use the table below to report any past implementation of this technology or practice, but not previously reported to Natural Gas STAR
International.
Year
Frequency of Activity or # of
Total Cost of Activity
Estimated Reductions
Value of
Installations
(incl. equipment and labor) (U.S. $)
(Mcf/yr)
Gas Saved
(U.S. $)

Comments/Additional Benefits: Please describe any additional economic, operational, environmental, or safety benefits
achieved by implementing this technology or practice. Use the back of the page for additional space if needed.

Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices
Current Year Activities
A. Facility/location identifier information:
B. Activity description: Please provide a separate reporting form for each technology or practice implemented. If reporting a DI&M
activity, please use a separate page for each location/facility surveyed.
Please specify the technology or practice that was implemented
(choose from the list in the Appendix or describe your own):

Please describe how your company implemented this activity
(including location or facility where implemented):

C. Industry Sector (please indicate in which industry sector you implemented this activity):
Production (from underground to wellhead)
Gathering and Processing (from gathering lines and processing plant to
the point gas transfers to transmission pipelines)

D. Level of Implementation (check one):

Transmission (transmission lines: from the point gas transfers to a
transmission pipeline to the point gas transfers to city gate stations,
including compressor stations along the transmission line(s))
Distribution (gate stations to customer connections)

E. Are emissions reductions a one-year reduction or a multiyear reduction?
One-year
Multi-year

Number of units installed:

units

Frequency of practice:

times/year

If Multi-year:
Partner will report this activity once and let EPA
automatically calculate future emission reductions based on
sunset date duration*.
Partner will report this activity annually up to allowed sunset
date.

F. Methane emissions reduction:

Mcf

Please identify the basis for the emissions reduction estimate. If needed, attach
calculations separately.

Actual field measurement
Calculation using manufacturer specifications/other source
Other (Please specify)

*Because the implementation of some technologies reduces emissions for
multiple years, Natural Gas STAR allows certain activities to count towards a
company’s emission reductions beyond the initial year of implementation. Natural
Gas STAR designates the maximum length of time that these reductions may
accrue as “sunset dates.” Appendix A lists these sunset dates. Companies can
report the corresponding methane emission reductions each year up to the
allowable sunset date. Or, companies may wish to report reductions only once for
the implementation year, and have EPA automatically apply the sunset date and
count those emissions for the allowable number of years.

G. Cost summary:
Estimated cost of implementing this activity (including
equipment and labor): U.S. $

Natural Gas STAR International
Annual Report
OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 09/30/2018

H. Total value of gas saved or other economic benefits (please
describe):
U.S. $

I. To what extent do you expect to implement this activity next
year?

Total value of gas saved (in U.S. Dollars) = Methane emissions
reduction (in Mcf) x Gas value (in U.S. $/Mcf)
Additional Comments:

Previous Years' Activities
Use the table below to report any past implementation of this technology or practice, but not previously reported to Natural Gas STAR
International.
Year
Frequency of Activity or # of
Total Cost of Activity
Estimated Reductions
Value of
Installations
(incl. equipment and labor) (U.S. $)
(Mcf/yr)
Gas Saved
(U.S. $)

Comments/Additional Benefits: Please describe any additional economic, operational, environmental, or safety benefits
achieved by implementing this technology or practice. Use the back of the page for additional space if needed.

Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices
Current Year Activities
A. Facility/location identifier information:
B. Activity description: Please provide a separate reporting form for each technology or practice implemented. If reporting a DI&M
activity, please use a separate page for each location/facility surveyed.
Please specify the technology or practice that was implemented
(choose from the list in the Appendix or describe your own):

Please describe how your company implemented this activity
(including location or facility where implemented):

C. Industry Sector (please indicate in which industry sector you implemented this activity):
Production (from underground to wellhead)
Gathering and Processing (from gathering lines and processing plant to
the point gas transfers to transmission pipelines)

D. Level of Implementation (check one):

Transmission (transmission lines: from the point gas transfers to a
transmission pipeline to the point gas transfers to city gate stations,
including compressor stations along the transmission line(s))
Distribution (gate stations to customer connections)

E. Are emissions reductions a one-year reduction or a multiyear reduction?
One-year
Multi-year

Number of units installed:

units

Frequency of practice:

times/year

If Multi-year:
Partner will report this activity once and let EPA
automatically calculate future emission reductions based on
sunset date duration*.
Partner will report this activity annually up to allowed sunset
date.

F. Methane emissions reduction:

Mcf

Please identify the basis for the emissions reduction estimate. If needed, attach
calculations separately.

Actual field measurement
Calculation using manufacturer specifications/other source

*Because the implementation of some technologies reduces emissions for
multiple years, Natural Gas STAR allows certain activities to count towards a
company’s emission reductions beyond the initial year of implementation. Natural
Gas STAR designates the maximum length of time that these reductions may
accrue as “sunset dates.” Appendix A lists these sunset dates. Companies can
report the corresponding methane emission reductions each year up to the
allowable sunset date. Or, companies may wish to report reductions only once for
the implementation year, and have EPA automatically apply the sunset date and
count those emissions for the allowable number of years.

Natural Gas STAR International
Annual Report
OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 09/30/2018

G. Cost summary:
Estimated cost of implementing this activity (including
equipment and labor): U.S. $

Other (Please specify)

H. Total value of gas saved or other economic benefits (please
describe):
U.S. $

I. To what extent do you expect to implement this activity next
year?

Total value of gas saved (in U.S. Dollars) = Methane emissions
reduction (in Mcf) x Gas value (in U.S. $/Mcf)
Additional Comments:

Previous Years' Activities
Use the table below to report any past implementation of this technology or practice, but not previously reported to Natural Gas STAR
International.
Year
Frequency of Activity or # of
Total Cost of Activity
Estimated Reductions
Value of
Installations
(incl. equipment and labor) (U.S. $)
(Mcf/yr)
Gas Saved
(U.S. $)

Comments/Additional Benefits: Please describe any additional economic, operational, environmental, or safety benefits
achieved by implementing this technology or practice. Use the back of the page for additional space if needed.

Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices
Current Year Activities
A. Facility/location identifier information:
B. Activity description: Please provide a separate reporting form for each technology or practice implemented. If reporting a DI&M
activity, please use a separate page for each location/facility surveyed.
Please specify the technology or practice that was implemented
(choose from the list in the Appendix or describe your own):

Please describe how your company implemented this activity
(including location or facility where implemented):

C. Industry Sector (please indicate in which industry sector you implemented this activity):
Production (from underground to wellhead)
Gathering and Processing (from gathering lines and processing plant to
the point gas transfers to transmission pipelines)

D. Level of Implementation (check one):

Transmission (transmission lines: from the point gas transfers to a
transmission pipeline to the point gas transfers to city gate stations,
including compressor stations along the transmission line(s))
Distribution (gate stations to customer connections)

E. Are emissions reductions a one-year reduction or a multiyear reduction?
One-year
Multi-year

Number of units installed:

units

Frequency of practice:

times/year

If Multi-year:
Partner will report this activity once and let EPA
automatically calculate future emission reductions based on
sunset date duration*.
Partner will report this activity annually up to allowed sunset
date.

Natural Gas STAR International
Annual Report
OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 09/30/2018

F. Methane emissions reduction:

Mcf

Please identify the basis for the emissions reduction estimate. If needed, attach
calculations separately.

Actual field measurement
Calculation using manufacturer specifications/other source

*Because the implementation of some technologies reduces emissions for
multiple years, Natural Gas STAR allows certain activities to count towards a
company’s emission reductions beyond the initial year of implementation. Natural
Gas STAR designates the maximum length of time that these reductions may
accrue as “sunset dates.” Appendix A lists these sunset dates. Companies can
report the corresponding methane emission reductions each year up to the
allowable sunset date. Or, companies may wish to report reductions only once for
the implementation year, and have EPA automatically apply the sunset date and
count those emissions for the allowable number of years.

G. Cost summary:
Estimated cost of implementing this activity (including
equipment and labor): U.S. $

Other (Please specify)

H. Total value of gas saved or other economic benefits (please
describe):
U.S. $

I. To what extent do you expect to implement this activity next
year?

Total value of gas saved (in U.S. Dollars) = Methane emissions
reduction (in Mcf) x Gas value (in U.S. $/Mcf)
Additional Comments:

Previous Years' Activities
Use the table below to report any past implementation of this technology or practice, but not previously reported to Natural Gas STAR
International.
Year
Frequency of Activity or # of
Total Cost of Activity
Estimated Reductions
Value of
Installations
(incl. equipment and labor) (U.S. $)
(Mcf/yr)
Gas Saved
(U.S. $)

Comments/Additional Benefits: Please describe any additional economic, operational, environmental, or safety benefits
achieved by implementing this technology or practice. Use the back of the page for additional space if needed.

Natural Gas STAR International
Annual Report
OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 09/30/2018

Additional Program Accomplishments

Natural Gas STAR International
Annual Report
OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 09/30/2018

The Natural Gas STAR International Program will use any information entered here to recognize the efforts and
achievements of outstanding partners.
Please include any additional information you would like to share about your company’s participation in Natural Gas
STAR International. Examples may include:


Activities to strengthen your program (e.g., training/education, innovative technologies or activities, pilot
projects, employee incentive programs).



Efforts to communicate your participation and successes (e.g., internal newsletters, press releases,
company website).



Participation in Natural Gas STAR International program activities (e.g., contributions to case studies,
presentation at workshops).

Additional Accomplishments:
(Please use the back of the page for additional space if needed.)

Natural Gas STAR International
Annual Report
OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 09/30/2018

Appendix A-1

Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices—
Production Sector
The list below describes a variety of methane emission reduction technologies that Natural Gas STAR partners in the production sector
have implemented and reported to Natural Gas STAR. You may use this list as a guide when completing your annual report. Sunset
dates (i.e., the length of time a technology or practice can continue to accrue emission reductions after implemented) are one
year in duration unless otherwise noted in parentheses. An asterisk (*) indicates that a technical document related to the
technology or practice is available online at epa.gov/gasstar/tools/recommended.html.
Compressors/Engines

 Automate compressor systems operation to reduce


















venting
Catalytic converter installation (10 years)
Convert to low pressure compressor starters
(10 years)
Eliminate unnecessary equipment and/or systems*
Increase compression capacity to reduce
venting/flaring
Install automated air/fuel ratio controls (10 years)*
Install electric compressors (10 years)*
Install electric motors (10 years)
Install electric motor starters (10 years)*
Install lean burn compressor (10 years)
Lower compressor purge pressure for shutdown
Perform gas recovery using slipstream (10 years)
Redesign blowdown/alter ESD practices*
Reduce emissions when taking compressors offline*
Reduce gas venting with fewer compressor engine
startups and improved engine ignition*
Replace compressor cylinder unloaders (10 years)*
Replace gas starters with air or nitrogen (10 years)*
Turbine fuel use optimization

Dehydrators

 Convert pneumatics to mechanical controls
(10 years)*

 Install condensers on glycol dehydrators (10 years)
 Install flash tank separators on glycol dehydrators







(10 years)*
Reduce glycol circulation rates in dehydrators*
Replacing glycol dehydrators with desiccant
dehydrators (10 years)*
Reroute dehydrator/tank vents to flare or station
suction (10 years)*
Reroute glycol skimmer gas*
Shutdown glycol dehydrator stripping gas in winter
Use rich glycol in glycol pumps

Directed Inspection and Maintenance
 DI&M at compressor stations*

 DI&M: leak detection using IR camera/optical
imaging*

 DI&M: leak detection using lower emission threshold
 DI&M: survey and repair leaks*
Pipelines

 Inject blowdown gas into low pressure mains or fuel
gas system*

 Pipeline replacement and repair
 Use hot taps for in-service pipeline connections*
 Use pipeline pump-down techniques to lower gas
line pressure before maintenance*
Pneumatics/Controls

 Capture/use gas released from gas-operated
pneumatic pumps

 Convert gas pneumatic controls to instrument air
(10 years)*

 Convert natural gas-driven chemical pumps
(10 years)*

 Convert pneumatics to mechanical controls
(10 years)*

 Identify and replace high-bleed pneumatic devices (7
years)*

 Install controllers on gas-assisted methanol pump
(10 years)

 Install/convert gas powered separators to solar








powered separators (10 years)
Install no bleed controllers (10 years)
Install non-venting dump controllers (10 years)
Reduce gas pressure on pneumatic devices
Reduce venting from unlit pilot: install electronic
safety devices (10 years)*
Replace bi-directional orifice meter with ultrasonic
meters*
Replace chemical pumps with electronic flow
controllers (10 years)
Use add-on controls to reduce emissions from
pneumatics (10 years)

Natural Gas STAR International
Annual Report
OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 09/30/2018

Tanks

 Change out vent pallet (10 years)
 Convert water tank blanket from natural gas to CO2
(10 years)*

 Eliminate unnecessary equipment and/or systems*

 Install flash tank separator on water gathering
system (10 years)

 Install pumps for separators (10 years)
 Install snubbing unit at wellhead

Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices—
Production Sector
Tanks
 Install evactors (10 years)
 Install flash gas compressors (10 years)
 Install hydrocarbon liquid stabilizer (10 years)
 Install pressurized storage of condensate (10 years)*
 Install vapor recovery units (VRUs) on storage tanks
(10 years)*
 Install VRUs on pipeline liquid/condensate tanks
(10 years)
 Recover gas during condensate loading*
 Reduce excess blanket gas blow-by to the
atmosphere
 Replace leaking above-ground tanks (10 years)
 Route gas to compressor suction/blowcase vessel
(10 years)
 Use protective tank coatings to reduce leaks
(10 years)
Valves

 Heat tracing to prevent control valves from freezing
open

 Install BASO® valves (10 years)*
 Install plugs on valves and open ended lines
(10 years)

 Test and repair pressure safety valves*
Wells

 Artificial lift: gas lift (10 years)
 Artificial lift: install plunger lifts (10 years)*
 Artificial lift: install pumpjacks or rod pumps on gas
wells (10 years)*

 Artificial lift: install smart lift automated systems on








gas wells (10 years)*
Artificial lift: install velocity tubing strings (10 years)*
Artificial lift: pressure swabbing
Artificial lift: use capillary strings (10 years)
Artificial lift: use compression (10 years)
Artificial lift: use pumping unit (10 years)
Artificial lift: use to reduce blowdown in gas wells
(10 years)*
Install automated shut-in cycle units to reduce well
venting (10 years)








Install soap launcher/soap unit (10 years)
Lower heater-treater temperature
Optimize gas well unloading times
Perform reduced emissions completions for
hydraulically fractured natural gas wells*
Route casinghead gas to VRU or compressor
(10 years)*
Use foaming agents to reduce blowdown frequency*

Other

 Capture and use waste heat to reduce gas usage
and emissions

 Convert natural gas-fired generator to solar power











(10 years)
Flare reduction program
Improve system design/operation
Install flares (10 years)*
Install pilotless burner controls (10 years)
Install purge reducer on flare (10 years)
Nitrogen rejection unit optimization*
Recover gas from separators
Re-inject gas for enhanced oil recovery
Re-inject gas into crude
Replace aged heaters with new efficient gas fired
heaters (10 years)

Natural Gas STAR International
Annual Report
OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 09/30/2018

Appendix A-2

Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices—
Gathering and Processing Sector
The list below describes a variety of methane emission reduction technologies that Natural Gas STAR partners in the gathering and
processing sector have implemented and reported to Natural Gas STAR. You may use this list as a guide when completing your
annual report. Sunset dates (i.e., the length of time a technology or practice can continue to accrue emission reductions after
implemented) are one year in duration unless otherwise noted in parentheses. An asterisk (*) indicates that a technical
document related to the technology or practice is available online at epa.gov/gasstar/tools/recommended.html.
Compressors/Engines










Eliminate unnecessary equipment and/or systems*
Install automated air/fuel ratio controls (10 years)*
Install electric compressors (10 years)*
Install electric motor starters (10 years)*
Redesign blowdown/alter ESD practices*
Reduce emissions when taking compressors offline*
Replace compressor rod packing systems*
Replace gas starters with air or nitrogen (10 years)*

Dehydrators

 Convert pneumatics to mechanical controls
(10 years)*

 DI&M: leak detection using IR camera/optical
imaging*

 DI&M: leak detection using ultrasound*
 Improve measurement systems to track gas loss
Pipelines

 Pipeline replacement and repair
 Recover gas from pipeline pigging operations*
 Revise pigging schedule to reduce methane



emissions
Use composite wrap repair*
Use hot taps for in-service pipeline connections*

 Install condensers on glycol dehydrators (10 years)
 Install flash tank separators on glycol dehydrators

 Use inert gases and pigs to perform pipeline purges*
 Use of improved protective coating at pipeline canal

(10 years)*
Reduce glycol circulation rates in dehydrators*
Replace glycol dehydration units with methanol
injection (10 years)*
Reroute dehydrator/tank vents to flare or station
suction (10 years)*
Reroute glycol skimmer gas*

crossings (10 years)
Use pipeline pump-down techniques to lower gas
line pressure before maintenance*








Pneumatics/Controls

 Capture and use waste heat to reduce gas usage
and emissions

 Convert gas pneumatic controls to instrument air
Directed Inspection and Maintenance

 DI&M: aerial leak detection using laser and/or
infrared technology*

 DI&M at compressor stations*
 DI&M at gas plants and booster stations*
 DI&M: inspect/repair compressor station blowdown
valves*

systems (10 years)*

 Install back-up power at booster sites to prevent
venting (10 years)

 Install no bleed controllers (10 years)
 Use add-on controls to reduce emissions from
pneumatics (10 years)

Natural Gas STAR International
Annual Report
OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 09/30/2018

Tanks

 Direct liquids at compressor suction to pipeline





(10 years)
Install hydrocarbon liquid stabilizer (10 years)
Install pressurized storage of condensate (10 years)*
Install vapor recovery units (VRUs) on storage tanks
(10 years)*
Install VRUs on pipeline liquid/condensate tanks

 Heat tracing to prevent control valves from freezing
open

 Rupture pin shutoff device to reduce venting
(10 years)

 Test and repair pressure safety valves*
 Test gate station pressure relief valves with nitrogen

Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices—
Gathering and Processing Sector
(10 years)

 Reduce excess blanket gas blow-by to the
atmosphere

 Reduce vapors vented out of drip tanks
 Route inlet flash vapors to station suction (10 years)
Valves

 Convert gas operated valves to hydraulic operation
(10 years)

 Nitrogen rejection unit optimization*
 Process/re-route acid gas to reduce venting

Other

 Convert natural gas-fired generator to solar power


(10 years)
Install flares (10 years)*

Natural Gas STAR International
Annual Report
OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 09/30/2018

Appendix A-3

Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices—
Transmission Sector
The list below describes a variety of methane emission reduction technologies that Natural Gas STAR partners in the
transmission sector have implemented and reported to Natural Gas STAR. You may use this list as a guide when completing your
annual report. Sunset dates (i.e., the length of time a technology or practice can continue to accrue emission reductions
after implemented) are one year in duration unless otherwise noted in parentheses. An asterisk (*) indicates that a technical
document related to the technology or practice is available online at epa.gov/gasstar/tools/recommended.html.

Compressors/Engines
 Automate compressor systems operation to reduce
venting
 Eliminate unnecessary equipment and/or systems*
 Install automated air/fuel ratio controls (10 years)*
 Install electric compressors (10 years)*
 Install electric motors (10 years)
 Install electric motor starters (10 years)*
 Install lean burn compressor (10 years)
 Lower compressor purge pressure for shutdown
 Redesign blowdown/alter ESD practices*
 Reduce emissions when taking compressors offline*
 Reduce natural gas venting with fewer compressor
engine startups and improved engine ignition*
 Replace compressor cylinder unloaders*
 Replace compressor rod packing systems*
 Replace gas starters with air or nitrogen (10 years)*
 Replace wet compressor seals with dry seals
(10 years)*
 Use of turbines at compressor stations (20 years)
Dehydrators

 Convert pneumatics to mechanical controls
(10 years)*

 Install condensers on glycol dehydrators (10 years)
 Install flash tank separators/controls on transmission
sector glycol dehydrators (10 years)*

 Reduce glycol circulation rates in dehydrators*
 Replace glycol dehydrator with separator & in-line



heaters (10 years)
Reroute dehydrators/tank vents to flare or station
suction (10 years)*
Reroute glycol skimmer gas*

Directed Inspection and Maintenance

 DI&M: aerial leak detection using laser and/or
infrared technology*

 DI&M at compressor stations*
 DI&M at remote sites*

 DI&M: inspect/repair compressor station blowdown




valves*
DI&M: leak detection using IR camera/optical
imaging*
DI&M: leak detection using ultrasound*
DI&M: survey and repair leaks*

Pipelines











Inspect/repair valves during pipeline replacement*
Pipeline replacement and repair
Recover gas from pipeline pigging operations*
Reduce/downgrade system pressure
Reduced emissions through third-party damage
prevention
Use composite wrap repair*
Use hot taps for in-service pipeline connections*
Use inert gas/pigs for pipeline purges*
Use pipeline pump-down techniques to lower gas
line pressure before maintenance *

Pneumatics/Controls

 Convert gas pneumatic controls to instrument air
(10 years)*

 Convert natural gas-driven chemical pumps
(10 years)*

 Install no bleed controllers (10 years)
 Identify and replace high-bleed pneumatic devices (7
years)*

 Reduce meter run blowdowns
 Replace bi-directional orifice meter with ultrasonic


meters*
Use add-on controls to reduce emissions from
pneumatics (10 years)

Tanks

 Install flash gas compressors (10 years)
 Install vapor recovery units on pipeline liquid/
condensate tanks (10 years)*

Natural Gas STAR International
Annual Report
OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 09/30/2018

Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices—
Transmission Sector
Valves

 Close valves during repair to minimize blowdown*
 Design isolation valves to minimize gas blowdown
volumes (10 years)*

 Move in fire gates at compressors (10 years)*
 Test and repair pressure safety valves*
 Use of YALE closures for ESD testing*
Wells

 Switch from underbalanced to overbalanced drilling
in gas storage field
Other

 Convert natural gas-fired generator to solar power
(10 years)

 Improve system design/operation
 Inject blowdown gas into low pressure mains or fuel
gas system*

 Install flares (10 years)*
 Replace aged heaters with new efficient gas fired
heaters (10 years)

 Require improvements in quality of gas received

Natural Gas STAR International
Annual Report
OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 09/30/2018

Appendix A-4

Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices—
Distribution Sector
The list below describes a variety of methane emission reduction technologies that Natural Gas STAR partners in the distribution
sector have implemented and reported to Natural Gas STAR. You may use this list as a guide when completing your annual report.
Sunset dates (i.e., the length of time a technology or practice can continue to accrue emission reductions after
implemented) are one year in duration unless otherwise noted in parentheses. An asterisk (*) indicates that a technical
document related to the technology or practice is available online at epa.gov/gasstar/tools/recommended.html.

Compressors/Engines
 Eliminate unnecessary equipment and/or systems*
 Install electric motor starters (10 years)*
 Redesign blowdown/alter ESD practices*
 Reduce natural gas venting with fewer compressor
engine startups and improved engine ignition*
 Replace compressor rod packing systems*

Pneumatics/Controls

 Convert gas pneumatic controls to instrument air
(10 years)*

 Convert natural gas-driven chemical pumps
(10 years)*

 Convert pneumatic devices to mechanical/electronic
(10 years)*

 Identify and replace high-bleed pneumatic devices (7
years)*

Dehydrators
 Reroute dehydrator/tank vents to flare or station
suction (10 years)*

 Use add-on controls to reduce emissions from

Directed Inspection and Maintenance

Valves

 DI&M at compressor stations (non-mainline





transmission)*
DI&M at gate stations and surface facilities*
DI&M: increase frequency of leak surveys*
DI&M: survey and repair leaks*
Improve measurement systems to track gas loss

Pipelines









Identify and rehabilitate leaky distribution pipes
Insert gas main flexible liners (10 years)*
Reduce/downgrade system pressure
Reduced emissions through third-party damage
prevention
Use hot taps for in-service pipeline connections*
Use no-blow insertion fittings
Use pipeline pump-down techniques to lower gas
line pressure before maintenance*

pneumatics (10 years)






Install excess flow valves (10 years)*
Install overpressure protection system (10 years)
Test and repair pressure safety valves*
Test gate station pressure relief valves with nitrogen

Other

 Convert natural gas-fired generator to solar power
(10 years)

 Improve system design/operation
 Inject blowdown gas into low pressure mains or fuel





gas system*
Install flares (10 years)*
Re-inject CNG cylinder test gas
Retighten LNG pump seals
Use automated systems to reduce pressure

Natural Gas STAR International
Annual Report
OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 09/30/2018

Appendix B

Conversion Factors
Please see below for a variety of conversion factors that might be useful when completing your annual report. Please
contact Natural Gas STAR if you have questions about this information.
Gas Conversions
Please report methane emissions reductions to Natural Gas STAR International in thousand cubic feet (Mcf).
1 Cubic foot of methane = 1,014.6 Btu
1 Btu
= 0.000986 Cubic feet of methane
1 Cubic foot
1 Cubic meter

= 0.02832 Cubic meter
= 35.312 Cubic feet

1 Mile
1 Kilometer

= 1.609 Kilometer
= 0.6214 Mile

1 Btu
1 Calorie

= 251.996 Calories
= 0.00397 Btu

1 Btu
1 Joule

= 1055.056 Joules
= 0.00095 Btu

Natural Gas STAR Program Managers:

E-mail: [email protected]

Scott Bartos
Phone: +1 (202) 343-9167
Fax: +1 (202) 343-2202
E-mail: [email protected]

Mailing Information:

Jerome Blackman
Phone: +1 (202) 343-9630
Fax: +1 (202) 343-2342
E-mail: [email protected]
Carey Bylin
Phone: +1 (202) 343-9669
Fax: +1 (202) 343-2202
E-mail: [email protected]
Roger Fernandez
Phone: +1 (202) 343-9386
Fax: +1 (202) 343-2202
E-mail: [email protected]
Suzie Waltzer
Phone: +1 (202) 343-9544
Fax: +1 (202) 343-2202

Standard Mail:
The Natural Gas STAR Program
U.S. EPA (6207J)
1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20460
U.S.A.
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The Natural Gas STAR Program
U.S. EPA (6207J)
1310 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
U.S.A.
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need for this information, the accuracy of the provided burden estimates, and any
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Environmental Protection Agency (2822T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW,
Washington, D.C. 20460. Include the OMB control number in any correspondence.
Do not send the completed form to this address.

Natural Gas STAR International
Annual Report
OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 09/30/2018