5900-106 Implementation Plan for International Partners

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Company Information

Natural Gas STAR
International

Company Name:

______________________________________

Gas Star Contact:

______________________________________

Title:

______________________________________

Address:

______________________________________
______________________________________

City:

______________________________________

Country:

______________________________________

Telephone:

______________________________________

Fax:

______________________________________

E-mail:

______________________________________

This implementation plan pertains to the company’s operations in (please
specify country)* :
_________________________________________________________

Implementation
Plan

This implementation plan includes planned activities for the following
facilities or locations:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

The purpose of this Implementation Plan is to guide your company’s participation in Natural Gas STAR
International. Please evaluate the technologies and practices that your company is currently implementing as
well as additional technologies and practices that, if implemented, would be beneficial to your company.
The Implementation Plan is designed to be a dynamic tool for Natural Gas STAR International partners to plan their
Program activities. As company priorities and plans shift over time, the Implementation Plan may be revised or updated
by submitting a new form to the Program.

Implementation Plan Elements
ELEMENT 1 – Evaluate Past and Current Reductions
Partners are encouraged to review current and past activities that have resulted in methane emission reductions.
Reviewing these activities will help guide companies’ participation in Natural Gas STAR International by creating a
base of understanding of current activities to facilitate planning of future activities.

Last updated: 2015

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ELEMENT 2 - Emissions Reduction Technologies & Practices
Natural Gas STAR International partners reduce methane emissions throughout their operations by implementing a
wide variety of technologies and practices. New partners are encouraged to evaluate and report current and new
technologies or practices that cost-effectively reduce methane emissions. A list of technologies and practices that have
been implemented by industry partners and reported to Natural Gas STAR is included in the appendix.
* Please submit a separate Implementation Plan for each country in which you plan to implement Natural Gas STAR International.
EPA Form No. 5900-106

ELEMENT 1

Evaluate Past and Current Reductions
A review of past and current methane emission reduction activities will help guide your company’s
participation in Natural Gas STAR International by creating a base of understanding of current activities to
facilitate planning of future activities.
As a first step, many new partners find it useful to review and document past methane emissions reduction efforts.
The process helps companies quantify the success of their past activities and target future emission reduction
efforts.
Will you include past activities in your annual report?

Yes

No

If yes, please describe your company’s plans for reviewing past emission reduction activities.

Last updated: February 2012

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ELEMENT 2

Emissions Reduction Technologies & Practices
Your company may implement a variety of technologies and practices to reduce methane emissions. Please complete
this form indicating which technologies and practices you are currently implementing and those you plan to implement
in the future. For your reference, the appendix includes a list of proposed methane emission reduction technologies
and practices and conversion factors.
Please fill out a separate page for each technology or practice your company plans to implement. (Please make
additional copies, if necessary)
Technology or practice your company is currently implementing or will be implementing
Name of Technology or Practice (choose from the list
in the appendix or describe your own):

Please provide a description of the technology or practice and
how you plan to implement it (including location or facility
where you plan to implement it):

At what scale will you be implementing this activity?

Level of Implementation (check one):

Company Wide
Pilot Project
Other

Number of units to be installed: _____units
Frequency of practice:

_____times/year

Last updated: February 2012

OMB Control No. 2060-0328
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Additional Information on Anticipated Plans and Projects
If additional space is needed, please continue on the back.

Last updated: February 2012

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

ELEMENT 2

Emissions Reduction Technologies & Practices
Your company may implement a variety of technologies and practices to reduce methane emissions. Please complete
this form indicating which technologies and practices you are currently implementing and those you plan to implement
in the future. For your reference, the appendix includes a list of proposed methane emission reduction technologies
and practices and conversion factors.
Please fill out a separate page for each technology or practice your company plans to implement. (Please make
additional copies, if necessary)
Technology or practice your company is currently implementing or will be implementing
Name of Technology or Practice (choose from the list
in the appendix or describe your own):

Please provide a description of the technology or practice and
how you plan to implement it (including location or facility
where you plan to implement it):

At what scale will you be implementing this activity?

Level of Implementation (check one):

Company Wide
Pilot Project
Other

Number of units to be installed: _____units
Frequency of practice:

_____times/year

Last updated: February 2012

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

Additional Information on Anticipated Plans and Projects
If additional space is needed, please continue on the back.

Last updated: February 2012

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

ELEMENT 2

Emissions Reduction Technologies & Practices
Your company may implement a variety of technologies and practices to reduce methane emissions. Please complete
this form indicating which technologies and practices you are currently implementing and those you plan to implement
in the future. For your reference, the appendix includes a list of proposed methane emission reduction technologies
and practices and conversion factors.
Please fill out a separate page for each technology or practice your company plans to implement. (Please make
additional copies, if necessary)
Technology or practice your company is currently implementing or will be implementing
Name of Technology or Practice (choose from the list
in the appendix or describe your own):

Please provide a description of the technology or practice and
how you plan to implement it (including location or facility
where you plan to implement it):

At what scale will you be implementing this activity?

Level of Implementation (check one):

Company Wide
Pilot Project
Other

Number of units to be installed: _____units
Frequency of practice:

_____times/year

Last updated: February 2012

OMB Control No. 2060-0328
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Additional Information on Anticipated Plans and Projects
If additional space is needed, please continue on the back.

Last updated: February 2012

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. 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
 DI&M: leak detection using lower emission threshold

 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

 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
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*









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)

Tanks

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

(10 years)*
Eliminate unnecessary equipment and/or systems*
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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 flash tank separator on water gathering









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

Last updated: February 2012

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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. 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)*

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

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*
 Replace glycol dehydration units with methanol



injection (10 years)*
Reroute dehydrator/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 gas plants and booster stations*
DI&M: inspect/repair compressor station blowdown
valves*
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*

 Convert gas pneumatic controls to instrument air
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)
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
(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)
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

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 Install flares (10 years)*

Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices—Gathering and Processing Sector
Other

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

(10 years)
Nitrogen rejection unit optimization*
Process/re-route acid gas to reduce venting

Last updated: February 2012

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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. 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)*

Last updated: February 2012

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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

Last updated: February 2012

OMB Control No. 2060-0328
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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. 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)*
Use add-on controls to reduce emissions from
pneumatics (10 years)

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



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*






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

Last updated: February 2012

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Appendix B

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

= 1,014.6 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

Please send completed forms to:
Roger Fernandez
The Natural Gas STAR Program
Team Leader
Phone: (01) (202) 343-9386
Fax: (01) (202) 343-2202
Email: [email protected]
Standard Mail:
Roger Fernandez
The Natural Gas STAR Program
U.S. EPA (6207J)
1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20460
U.S.A.
Express/Overnight Mail:
Roger Fernandez
The Natural Gas STAR Program
U.S. EPA (6207J)
1310 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
U.S.A.

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