Recommended Technologies and Practices
Quick Finder
Natural Gas STAR partners share information on cost-effective methane emission reduction technologies and practices via submission of annual progress reports detailing their emissions reduction activities. To promote technology transfer and share industry best practices, the Natural Gas STAR Program provides information on cost-effective methane emission reduction opportunities through a variety of documents including Lessons Learned Studies, Partner Reported Opportunities (PRO) Fact Sheets, Technical Presentations, and Partner Update articles (to learn more, see descriptions of Natural Gas STAR technical resources below). Lessons Learned Studies and PRO Fact Sheets are also available in Chinese, Russian, and Spanish translations.
You will need Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA's PDF page to learn more.
Please note that EPA does not advocate any particular vendor's equipment or technology. The intent of the information presented below is to provide partner companies and others in industry with information for evaluating the applicability of these technologies and practices to their operations.
Compressors/Engines | Dehydrators | Pneumatics/Controls | Pipelines | Tanks | Valves | Wells | Other
For the purpose of estimating payback, the technical documents included in this table assume a gas value of $3/Mcf. This is considered a conservative gas value. Actual payback may vary depending on individual partner operating circumstances.
Compressors/Engines
Document Title | Capital Costs | Production | Gathering and Processing | Transmission & Distribution |
---|---|---|---|---|
Estimated Payback: N/A | ||||
Methane Losses from Compressors Presentation (PDF) (25 pp., 883K) Presentation (PDF) (20 pp., 426K) |
N/A | X | X | X |
Estimated Payback: 0-1 year | ||||
Convert Engine Starting to Nitrogen PRO Fact Sheet #101 (PDF) (2 pp., 60K) |
< $1,000 | X | X | X |
Reduce the Frequency of Engine Starts with Gas PRO Fact Sheet #102 (PDF) (2 pp., 61K) |
< $1,000 | X | X | X |
Replace Gas Starters with Air PRO Fact Sheet #103 (PDF) (2 pp., 63K) |
< $1,000 | X | X | X |
Replace Ignition - Reduce False Starts PRO Fact Sheet #104 (PDF) (2 pp., 61K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | X | X |
Automate Systems Operation to Reduce Venting PRO Fact Sheet #106 (PDF, 2 pp., 65K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | ||
Replace Compressor Cylinder Unloaders PRO Fact Sheet #110 (PDF) (2 pp., 61K) |
> $10,000 | X | ||
Reducing Methane Emissions from Compressor Rod Packing Systems Lessons Learned (PDF) (12 pp., 153K) Presentation (PDF, 15 pp., 875K) |
< $1,000 | X | X | X |
Reducing Emissions When Taking Compressors Off-Line Lessons Learned (PDF) (11 pp., 221K) Presentation (PPT) (19 pp., 590K, About PPT ![]() |
$0-$10,000 | X | X | X |
Estimated Payback: 1-3 years | ||||
Redesign Blowdown Systems and Alter ESD Practices PRO Fact Sheet #107 (PDF) (2 pp., 61K) Partner Update, Summer 2004, Page 1 (PDF) (9 pp., 660K) |
< $1,000 | X | X | X |
Install Electric Starters PRO Fact Sheet #108 (PDF) (2 pp., 61K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | X | X |
Automated Air/Fuel Ratio Controls PRO Fact Sheet #111 (PDF) (2 pp., 53K) |
> $10,000 | X | X | X |
Replacing Wet Seals with Dry Seals in Centrifugal Compressors Lessons Learned (PDF) (13 pp., 398K) Presentation (PPT) (24 pp., 1.4M, About PPT ![]() |
> $10,000 | X | X | |
Estimated Payback: 3-10 years | ||||
Lower Purge Pressure for Shutdown Controls PRO Fact Sheet #109 (PDF) (2 pp., 62K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | X | |
Estimated Payback: > 10 years | ||||
Install Electric Compressors PRO Fact Sheet #105 (PDF) (2 pp., 59K) |
> $10,000 | X | X | X |
Dehydrators
Document Title | Capital Costs | Production | Gathering and Processing | Transmission & Distribution |
---|---|---|---|---|
Estimated Payback: N/A | ||||
Natural Gas Dehydrators Presentation (PDF) (34 pp., 321K) |
N/A | X | X | X |
Estimated Payback: 0-1 year | ||||
Reroute Glycol Skimmer Gas PRO Fact Sheet #201 (PDF) (2 pp., 62K) |
< $1,000 | X | X | X |
Convert Gas-Driven Chemical Pumps to Instrument Air PRO Fact Sheet #202 (PDF) (2 pp., 58K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | X | X |
Optimize Glycol Circulation and Install of Flash Tank Separators in Dehydrators Lessons Learned (PDF) (16 pp., 235K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | X | |
Pipe Glycol Dehydrator to Vapor Recovery Unit PRO Fact Sheet #203 (PDF) (2 pp., 61K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | X | X |
Replace Glycol Dehydration Units with Methanol Injection PRO Fact Sheet #205 (PDF) (2 pp., 76K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | X | |
Zero Emissions Dehydrators PRO Fact Sheet #206 (PDF) (2 pp., 54K) |
> $10,000 | X | X | X |
Estimated Payback: 1-3 years | ||||
Portable Desiccant Dehydrators PRO Fact Sheet #207 (PDF) (2 pp., 54K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | ||
Replacing Gas-Assisted Glycol Pumps with Electric Pumps Lessons Learned (PDF) (17 pp., 273K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | X | |
Replacing Glycol Dehydrators with Desiccant Dehydrators Lessons Learned (PDF) (21 pp., 784K) Presentation (PPT) (21 pp., 1.7M, About PPT ![]() |
> $10,000 | X | X | |
Replace Glycol Dehydrator With Separators and In-line Heaters PRO Fact Sheet #204 (PDF) (2 pp., 59K) |
> $10,000 | X |
Pneumatics/Controls
Document Title | Capital Costs | Production | Gathering and Processing | Transmission & Distribution |
---|---|---|---|---|
Estimated Payback: 0-1 year | ||||
Convert Pneumatics to Mechanical Controls PRO Fact Sheet #301 (PDF) (2 pp., 58K) |
< $1,000 | X | X | X |
Reduce Frequency of Replacing Modules in Turbine Meters PRO Fact Sheet #302 (PDF) (2 pp., 62K) |
< $1,000 | X | ||
Options for Reducing Methane Emissions From Pneumatic Devices in the
Natural Gas Industry |
< $1,000 | X | X | X |
Convert Gas Pneumatic Controls to Instrument Air Lessons Learned (PDF) (18 pp., 243K) |
> $10,000 | X | X | X |
Estimated Payback: 1-3 years | ||||
Install Electronic Flare Ignition Devices PRO Fact Sheet #303 (PDF) (2 pp., 60K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | X | X |
Replace Bi-Directional Orifice Metering with Ultrasonic Meters PRO Fact Sheet #304 (PDF) (2 pp., 64K) |
> $10,000 | X |
Pipelines
Document Title | Capital Costs | Production | Gathering and Processing | Transmission & Distribution |
---|---|---|---|---|
Estimated Payback: N/A | ||||
Reducing Distribution System Pressure Presentation - Part I (PPT) (14 pp., 892K, About PPT ![]() Presentation - Part II (PPT) (17 pp., 825K, About PPT ![]() |
N/A | X | ||
Estimated Payback: 0-1 year | ||||
Inject Blowdown Gas into Low Pressure Mains PRO Fact Sheet #401 (PDF) (2 pp., 59K) |
< $1,000 | X | ||
Composite Wrap for Non-Leaking Pipeline Defects Lessons Learned (PDF) (19 pp., 249K) Presentation (PPT) (18 pp., 810K, About PPT ![]() |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | X | |
Insert Gas Main Flexible Liners PRO Fact Sheet #403 (PDF) (2 pp., 52K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | ||
Using Pipeline Pump-Down Techniques to Lower Gas Line Pressure Before
Maintenance Lessons Learned (PDF) (15 pp., 321K) Partner Update, Summer 2004, Page 1 (PDF) (9 pp., 660K) |
> $10,000 | X | X | |
Estimated Payback: 1-3 years | ||||
Install Ejector PRO Fact Sheet #404 (PDF) (2 pp., 59K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | X | |
Using Hot Taps for In Service Pipeline Connections Lessons Learned (PDF) (19 pp., 381K) |
> $10,000 | X | ||
Estimated Payback: > 10 years | ||||
Inspect Flowlines Annually PRO Fact Sheet #407 (PDF) (2 pp., 63K) |
< $1,000 | X | ||
Use of Improved Protective Coating at Pipeline Canal Crossings PRO Fact Sheet #406 (PDF) (2 pp., 64K) |
> $10,000 | X | X | X |
Use Inert Gases & Pigs to Perform Pipeline Purges PRO Fact Sheet #405 (PDF) (2 pp., 62K) |
< $1,000 | X | X |
Tanks
Document Title | Capital Costs | Production | Gathering and Processing | Transmission & Distribution |
---|---|---|---|---|
Estimated Payback: N/A | ||||
Purge and Retire Low Pressure Gasholders PRO Fact Sheet #501 (PDF) (2 pp., 51K) |
< $1,000 | X | ||
Estimated Payback: 1-3 years | ||||
Convert Water Tank Blanket from Natural Gas to Produced CO 2 Gas PRO Fact Sheet #505 (PDF) (2 pp., 107K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | ||
Consolidate Crude Oil Production and Water Storage Tanks PRO Fact Sheet #506 (PDF) (2 pp., 106K) |
> $10,000 | X | ||
Install Pressurized Storage of Condensate PRO Fact Sheet #502 (PDF) (2 pp., 106K) |
> $10,000 | X | X | X |
Installing Vapor Recovery Units on Crude Oil Storage Tanks Lessons Learned (PDF) (12 pp., 166K) Presentation (PDF) (32 pp., 632K) |
> $10,000 | X | ||
Recover Gas from Pipeline Pigging Operations PRO Fact Sheet #507 (PDF) (2 pp., 56K) Presentation (PPT) (18 pp., 547K, About PPT ![]() |
> $10,000 | X | X | X |
Estimated Payback: 3-10 years | ||||
Recycle Line Recovers Gas During Condensate Loading PRO Fact Sheet #503 (PDF) (2 pp., 108K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | X | X |
Estimated Payback: > 10 years | ||||
Capture Methane Released from Pipeline Liquid Storage Tanks PRO Fact Sheet #504 (PDF) (2 pp., 100K) |
< $1,000 | X |
Valves
Document Title | Capital Costs | Production | Gathering and Processing | Transmission & Distribution |
---|---|---|---|---|
Estimated Payback: 0-1 year | ||||
Inspect and Repair Compressor Station Blowdown Valves PRO Fact Sheet #601 (PDF) (2 pp., 59K) |
< $1,000 | X | X | X |
Install BASO® Valves PRO Fact Sheet #611 (PDF) (2 pp., 59K) |
< $1,000 | X | ||
Install Flow Valves Partner Update, Summer 2005, Page 5 (PDF) (10 pp., 853K) |
< $1,000 | X | ||
Replace Burst Plates with Secondary Relief Valves PRO Fact Sheet #612 (PDF) (2 pp., 60K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | X | X |
Use Ultrasound to Identify Leaks PRO Fact Sheet #602 (PDF) (2 pp., 50K) |
< $1,000 | X | X | X |
Scrubber Dump Valves Partner Update, Spring 2006, Page 2 (PDF) (9 pp., 639K) Presentation (PDF) (17 pp., 439K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | X | |
Close Main and Unit Valves Prior to Blowdown PRO Fact Sheet #603 (PDF) (2 pp., 60K) |
< $1,000 | X | ||
Rupture Pin Shutoff Devices Technology Spotlight (PDF) (2 pp., 65K) |
X | |||
Estimated Payback: 1-3 years | ||||
Use YALE® Closures for ESD Testing PRO Fact Sheet #605 (PDF) (2 pp., 69K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | X | |
Perform Leak Repair During Pipeline Replacement PRO Fact Sheet #604 (PDF) (2 pp., 63K) |
< $1,000 | X | ||
Estimated Payback: 3-10 years | ||||
Test and Repair Pressure Safety Valves PRO Fact Sheet #607 (PDF) (2 pp., 61K) |
< $1,000 | X | X | X |
Design Isolation Valves to Minimize Gas Blowdown Volumes PRO Fact Sheet #606 (PDF) (2 pp., 59K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | ||
Move Fire Gates In to Reduce Venting at Compressor Station PRO Fact Sheet #608 (PDF) (2 pp., 58K) |
> $10,000 | X | ||
Estimated Payback: > 10 years | ||||
Test Gate Station Pressure Relief Valves with Nitrogen PRO Fact Sheet #609 (PDF) (2 pp., 63K) |
< $1,000 | X | X | X |
Install Excess Flow Valves PRO Fact Sheet #610 (PDF) (2 pp., 61K) Partner Update, Winter 2005, Page 2 (PDF) (9 pp., 623K) |
> $10,000 | X |
Wells
Document Title | Capital Costs | Production | Gathering and Processing | Transmission & Distribution |
---|---|---|---|---|
Estimated Payback: 0-1 year | ||||
Connect Casing to Vapor Recovery Unit PRO Fact Sheet #701 (PDF) (2 pp., 105K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | ||
Gas Well Unloading Time Optimization PRO Fact Sheet #708 (PDF) (2 pp., 67K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | ||
Installing Plunger Lift Systems in Gas Wells Lessons Learned (PDF) (24 pp., 175K) Presentation (PDF) (18 pp., 211K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | ||
Install Compressors to Capture Casinghead Gas PRO Fact Sheet #702 (PDF) (2 pp., 105K) |
> $10,000 | X | ||
Lower Heater - Treater Temperature PRO Fact Sheet #906 (PDF) (2 pp., 108K) |
< $1,000 | X | ||
Estimated Payback: 1-3 years | ||||
Green Completions PRO Fact Sheet #703 (PDF) (2 pp., 106K) Presentation (PDF) (16 pp., 1M) Presentation (PDF) (18 pp., 1.2M) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | ||
Install Velocity Tubing Strings PRO Fact Sheet #704 (PDF) (2 pp., 105K) |
> $10,000 | X | ||
Estimated Payback: 3-10 years | ||||
Install Downhole Separator Pumps PRO Fact Sheet #705 (PDF) (2 pp., 105K) |
> $10,000 | X | ||
Use Foaming Agents PRO Fact Sheet #706 (PDF) (2 pp., 105K) |
> $10,000 | X | ||
Estimated Payback: > 10 years | ||||
Install Pumpjacks on Low Water Production Gas Wells PRO Fact Sheet #707 (PDF) (2 pp., 72K) |
> $10,000 | X | ||
Gas Well “Smart” Automation System PRO Fact Sheet #709 (PDF) (2 pp., 82K) Partner Update, Spring 2004, Page 2 (PDF) (9 pp., 481K) Presentation (PDF) (15 pp., 258K) |
> $10,000 | X |
Other
Document Title | Capital Costs | Production | Gathering and Processing | Transmission & Distribution |
---|---|---|---|---|
Estimated Payback: N/A | ||||
Install Flares PRO Fact Sheet #905 (PDF) (2 pp., 106K) |
> $10,000 | X | X | |
Process Optimization Partner Update, Spring 2005, Page 1 (PDF) (9 pp., 614K) |
N/A | X | ||
Acid Gas Removal Presentation (PDF) (25 pp., 424K) |
N/A | X | ||
Micro Turbine Generators Partner Update, Fall 2004, Page 8 (PDF) (12 pp., 757K) |
N/A | X | ||
Liquefied Natural Gas Emissions Reduction Opportunities Presentation (PDF) (9 pp., 1.4M) |
N/A | X | X | |
Estimated Payback: 0-1 year | ||||
Directed Inspection and Maintenance at Gate Stations and Surface Facilities Lessons Learned (PDF) (18 pp., 203K) |
< $1,000 | X | ||
Directed Inspection and Maintenance with Optical Imaging Partner Update, Fall 2005, page 1 (PDF) (8 pp., 328K) Presentation Part 1 (PDF) (23 pp., 384K) Presentation Part 2 (PDF) (37 pp., 3.2M) Presentation Part 3 (PDF) (11 pp., 1.1M) Partner Update, Spring 2006, Page 1 (PDF) (9 pp., 639K) Presentation (PDF) (9 pp., 965K) Video | PDF version (PDF) (2 pp., 14 KB) |
N/A | X | X | X |
Eliminate Unnecessary Equipment and/or Systems PRO Fact Sheet #901 (PDF) (2 pp., 109K) |
< $1,000 | X | X | X |
Optimizing Operating Pressures Partner Update, Fall 2004, Page 2 (PDF) (12 pp., 757K) Presentation (PPT) (13 pp., 598K, About PPT ![]() |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | X | X |
Directed Inspection and Maintenance at Compressor Stations Lessons Learned (PDF) (18 pp., 322K) |
> $10,000 | X | ||
Nitrogen Rejection Unit Optimization Systems PRO Fact Sheet #907 (PDF) (2 pp., 55K) Presentation (PPT) (16 pp., 236K, About PPT ![]() |
> $10,000 | X | ||
Estimated Payback: 1-3 years | ||||
Conduct DI&M at Remote Sites PRO Fact Sheet #902 (PDF) (2 pp., 108K) |
< $1,000 | X | ||
Increase Walking Survey from a 5-to 3-Year Basis PRO Fact Sheet #903 (PDF) (2 pp., 106K) |
$1,000-$10,000 | X | ||
Directed Inspection and Maintenance at Gas Processing Plants and Booster Stations Lessons Learned (PDF) (18 pp., 324K) Presentation (PDF) (36 pp., 530K) |
> $10,000 | X | ||
Estimated Payback: 3-10 years | ||||
Require Improvements in the Quality of Gas Received from Producers PRO Fact Sheet #904 (PDF) (2 pp., 104K) |
< $1,000 | X |
Description of Natural Gas STAR Technical Resources
- Lessons Learned Studies—Lessons Learned Studies serve as comprehensive guides for implementing methane emission reduction technologies and practices, providing in-depth, detailed analyses and implementation emission reduction opportunities. The summaries describe techniques and practices, suggest step-by-step decision processes for implementing the practices, summarize cost and benefit information, and provide implementation tips and reference sources for more information. These documents are also available in Chinese, Russian, and Spanish translations.
- Partner Reported Opportunities (PRO) Fact Sheets—PRO Fact Sheets provide partners with more basic information for evaluating the economic and operational feasibility of implementing relevant technologies and practices in their operations. These fact sheets represent an initial effort to present information on available methane emission reduction opportunities for partners interested in evaluating additional options for reducing emissions and improving operational efficiency. These documents are also available in Chinese, Russian, and Spanish translations.
- Technical Presentations—The Natural Gas STAR Program hosts regional Technology Transfer Workshops for each sector of the natural gas industry. These workshops provide a forum for oil and natural gas companies to receive and share detailed information about current cost-effective technologies and practices to reduce methane emissions in their specific sector. Technical presentations provide current information about the emission reducing technologies and practices covered at the Technology Transfer Workshops.
- Partner Update Articles—The Natural Gas STAR Partner Update is the Program’s quarterly newsletter that provides a wealth of information about the Natural Gas STAR Program, cutting edge emission reduction practices and technologies, partner accomplishments, and other related news. Partner Update articles address new technologies and practices, as well as how a partners benefitted from project implementation.