&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Air and Radiation
6202J
EPA-430-N-99-OI2
Fall 1999
Natural Gas STAR Program Expands to
the Gas Processing Sector
LU
After 6 years in partnership with the
natural gas industry, the Natural Gas STAR
Program is expanding to include gas
gathering and processing companies.
Including this important industry sector in
the STAR Program will help maximize the
opportunities for cost-effective methane
emissions reductions across the industry,
with benefits both for the environment
and for participating companies' bottom
lines.
Recent EPA studies indicate that process-
ing operations offer significant potential
for profitable emissions reductions. Up to
25 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of gas may be
saved annually through cost-effective
management practices, representing over
70 percent of total estimated emissions
from the sector.
Natural Gas STAR anticipates enthusias-
tic participation from gas processing
companies. The Gas Processors
Association, the principal trade group for
the sector, has recently endorsed the
STAR Program. In addition, GPM Gas
Corporation, a subsidiary of Phillips
Petroleum Company, has signed on as
the program's first Charter processing
partner. EPA will build on this support
and tap into industry expertise as we
implement the expansion of the Gas
STAR Program.
Growing Interest in the
Processing Sector
Natural Gas STAR Partners in the produc-
tion, transmission, and distribution sectors
of the industry have long known that
reducing gas loss through smart emissions
reduction practices could increase
profitability. Last year, partners reduced
methane losses by 21 Bcf, worth approxi-
mately $42 million. These efficiency
increases have been attracting the
attention of gas processing companies.
In the Spotlight 1
Natural Gas STAR News 4
Partners of the Year 6
STAR Service Representatives 9
Technology Verification 10
6th Annual Workshop Summary 12
Program Tools 14
Document Request Form 15
Visit the Gas STAR
web site at
WWW.EPA.GOV/GASSTAR
-------
continued from page I
Gas STAR
Expands to the
Gas Processing
Sector
Venting and combustion
Annual gas processing losses —
27%
12% or 35 bcf
I N T
SROTLI
Although some STAR Partners include
gas processing facilities in their pro-
gram implementation, gas processing
operations in many companies are
separate from other business units. As
a result, gas processing operations
comprise a distinct industry sector that
presents its own economic opportuni-
ties for reducing emissions. With the
support of the Gas Processor's
Association (GPA), which has pledged
to promote the
program to its 140
member companies,
Natural Gas STAR will
help companies seize
these opportunities.
And in controlling gas
losses, gas processors
73%
plants, centrifugal
compressors, and
reciprocating
compressors
Total Annual Methane Emissions
from the Natural Gas Industry
Gas STAR welcomes
its first gas processing
partner, GPM Gas
Corporation.
Fugitive emissions from helP Protect the envi-
ronment—reducing
emissions of methane,
a potent greenhouse
gas, can help lower
the risk of global cli-
mate change.
Emissions Reduction
Opportunities
There is much to be gained by
expanding Gas STAR. EPA studies have
found that processing facilities account
for about 1 2 percent of the annual
methane emissions from the gas indus-
try, or approximately 35 Bcf. Of these
annual losses, most (73 percent) are
fugitive emissions from plants, centrifu-
gal compressors, and reciprocating
compressors. The remaining 27 per-
cent results from venting and combus-
tion—for example, from kimray
pumps, reboiler vents, pneumatics,
and engine exhaust. EPA estimates that
processing facilities could reduce these
losses by 20-25 Bcf by implementing
measures that are cost effective at con-
servative gas prices.
To further analyze economic opportu-
nities for reducing emissions, EPA has
awarded funding to the Gas Research
Institute (GRI) to demonstrate a cost-
effective program for reducing emis-
sions from gas processing facilities.
GRI proposes that using a volumetric
measurement device—the Hi-Flow
SamplerTM—to identify the leakiest
components will allow companies to
prioritize leak repair, while reducing
leakage by as much as 70 to 80 per-
cent at a profit to the company. GRI's
techniques have already proven
successful for natural gas transmission
systems and hold similar promise for
natural gas processing plants.
An industry Project Advisory Group
will lead the GRI project, and four gas
processing facilities will be selected as
host sites for the demonstration. Leak
characterization at each site will pro-
vide a comprehensive database that
can generate a cost-benefit analysis
when survey and repair costs are
supplied. Using the data, companies
will be able to develop leak repair
schedules to meet any desired
methane reduction or payback period
requirements.
Natural Gas STAR Partner Update • Fall 1999
-------
GRI has a high degree of confidence in
this method and, as a result, is offering
participating companies a guarantee
on their return. Companies providing
host sites will contribute to offset the
cost of the measurement work, but
will be reimbursed by GRI if their sav-
ings in avoided emissions do not equal
their initial contribution. "It is really
a win-win project—companies can
reduce emissions and operating costs
and increase earnings," says GRI
project manager Robert Lott.
GPM Gas Corporation
Leads the Way
GPM Gas Corporation is already
enjoying the benefits of STAR. This
past spring, GPM, a Houston-based
processing subsidiary of Phillips
Petroleum Company, joined the pro-
gram as the first Charter processing
partner. GPM is enthusiastic about the
expansion of Gas STAR. According to
Safety and Environmental Manager Les
McMillan, "Opportunities exist both in
operating practices and in improved
maintenance practices. We are excited
about capturing those opportunities
and the potential synergies that can
occur as other gatherers and proces-
sors come into the program."
GPM supports the environmental
goals of the STAR Program. GPM's
President and CEO, Michael Panatier,
commented at the signing of the
MOU, "We share EPA's concern for
and commitment to reducing methane
emissions. This is an ideal that should
be embraced by any organization in
the natural gas business, from the well-
head to the end user."
GPM is currently developing a
methane emissions reduction plan that
emphasizes the Gas STAR Program's
recommended measures, such as max-
imizing the efficiency of glycol dehy-
drators and implementing directed
inspection and maintenance programs
at processing plants and compressor
stations. The company is also consider-
ing further opportunities specific to gas
processing equipment.
Next Steps in Expanding
the STAR Partnership
EPA is already taking steps to establish
the new program area for gas proces-
sors. Interested companies are provid-
ing feedback to STAR on management
practices that help reduce methane
emissions. In addition, a new
Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU)—which processing companies
will sign to become partners—is being
developed by EPA in consultation with
GPA and industry representatives. The
gas processing MOU will specify core
best management practices recom-
mended for reducing gas losses from
processing facilities. Finally, EPA is also
developing implementation tools and
technical support documents to help
processors take full advantage of the
Natural Gas STAR Partnership.
...methane emissions
reduction..."is an ideal
that should be embraced
by any organization in the
gas industry../'
Michael Panatier, President and CEO
GPM Gas Corporation
Companies interested in receiving more
information about these new initiatives,
or interested in joining Natural Gas
STAR, may contact Carolyn Henderson
at 202/564-2318, or by e-mail at
henderson.carolyn@epa.gov. Additional
information on the STAR Program
can be found at www.epa.gov/gasstar.
Companies interested in participating in
the GRI leak detection project, either as
a host site or a member of the Project
Advisory Group, should contact Robert
Lott of GRI at 773/399-8227.
Natural Gas STAR Partner Update • Fall 1999
-------
URAL
R IM
STAR Welcomes New Partners and Endorsers
EPA is pleased to recognize five new partners and two new endorsing organizations that have joined Natural
Gas STAR since the spring.
ATMOS
New Partners
Based in Dallas, Texas, Atmos Energy Corporation
serves over 1 million customers in 13 states, distributing
natural gas through its five distribution business
units. Energas Company (Lubbock, Texas)
services the agricultural market. Greeley Gas
Company (Denver, Colorado) provides natural
gas to customers in Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri. Trans
Louisiana Gas Company (Lafayette) delivers natural gas for
use in commercial buildings. United Cities Gas Company
(Franklin, Tennessee) serves high-growth residential areas
around Nashville, Tennessee, and Overland Park, Kansas.
Western Kentucky Gas (Owensboro) has a large industrial
base and continues to increase its services to residential and
commercial customers.
Columbia Gas Transmission and Columbia Gulf
Transmission—subsidiaries of Columbia Energy Group—
i— i i* /^ operate 16,700 miles of pipeline.
Columbia Gas
Transmission Columbia Gas has its headquarters in
Fairfax, Virginia, and Charleston, West Virginia. The
company's 12,500-mile pipeline moves 3 Bcf of natural gas
per day across the midwest, northeast, and mid-Atlantic.
Columbia Gas also operates one of the largest natural gas
storage systems in the United States,
with 220 Bcf of capacity. Columbia
Gulf, with headquarters in Houston,
Texas, operates a 4,200-mile natural gas pipeline system
stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to Virginia. Together,
these systems have the capacity to move up to 5 Bcf of
natural gas per day.
Columbia Gulf
Transmission
UtiliCorp United is an interna-
tional energy services company based
in Kansas City, Missouri. UtiliCorp
owns and operates over 26,000 miles
of natural gas production, transmis-
sion, and distribution pipeline in the
United States, serving 830,000 cus-
tomers. UtiliCorp's U.S. subsidiaries
include Michigan
Gas Utilities,
Missouri Pipeline Co., Missouri Public
Service, Northwest Minnesota
Utilities, Omega Pipeline Co.,
People's Natural Gas, and West
Virginia Power. Aquila Energy, a
wholly owned subsidiary, markets
natural gas and electricity to industrial
and wholesale customers throughout
the continental United States.
UtiliCorp United will implement STAR
Best Management Practices (BMPs) in
both its distribution and processing
operations.
Natural Gas STAR Partner Update • Fall 1999
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STAR'S newest producer partner is Phillips
Petroleum Company, based in Bartlesville,
Oklahoma. Founded in 1917, Phillips
is a major integrated oil and natural
gas company with worldwide opera-
tions. Phillips produces about 1 Bcf
of natural gas per day in the United
States, with 1998 domestic production totaling
346 Bcf. An additional 1.5 Bcf per day is produced
worldwide. Phillips' four key business areas are
Exploration & Production; Gas Gathering
Processing & Marketing; Refining, Marketing &
Transportation; and Chemicals & Plastics. GPM Gas
Corporation, which joined the Gas STAR Program
this past spring, is Phillips' principal gathering and
processing company.
New Endorsers
A new endorsing organization, the Domestic
Petroleum Council (DPC) is a national
trade association representing large,
independent U.S. natural • • *
U gas and crude oil explora-
tion and production com-
panies. DPC works for
sound energy, environmental, and related
public policies that encourage responsible
exploration, development, and produc-
tion of natural gas and crude oil. As a
group, DPC companies drill more than
80 percent of independent U.S. wells (47
percent of all domestic wells) and pro-
duce over 1 6 percent of domestic natural
gas. In endorsing the Natural Gas STAR
Program, DPC sees an opportunity to
build relationships between government
and the private sector. The Council
believes its member companies can bene-
fit from joining Gas STAR and taking
advantage of the program's opportunities
for technology transfer and information
exchange.
The Gas Processors Association (GPA)
recently elected to endorse Natural Gas
STAR. GPA is the primary industry asso-
ciation representing natural gas gather-
ing and processing interests. Founded
in 1921 and based in Tulsa, Oklahoma,
GPA has developed and evolved along with the gas
processing industry. The Association is a focal point
for the industry and a clearinghouse for issues and
developments in gas processing. Today, GPA is an
incorporated, non-profit trade association of
approximately 140 U.S. and international member
companies, all of whom are engaged either in the
processing of natural gas into marketable pipeline-
quality gas, or in the manufacture, transportation,
and further processing of natural gas products.
With the endorsement of GPA, Natural Gas STAR
is expanding its program to better include the gas
processing sector and help GPA member compa-
nies take advantage of cost-effective technologies
and practices to reduce methane emissions.
Natural Gas STAR in the News!
On October 13, 1999, the Natural Gas Supply Association (NCSA) released a
report on the accomplishments of Natural Gas STAR Partners titled "Reducing
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Good Business for Natural Gas Producers." The
study found that more than half of NCSA's member companies participate in
the STAR Program. Through their participation, these companies have reduced
methane emissions by 50 Bcf. Catching the attention of industry press, the
NCSA report was cited in Air Daily on October 14, and Inside FERC on
October 1 8.
The Fall 1999 issue of the Gas Research Institute publication Gas TIPS
featured an article on the Natural Gas STAR Program by Editor Karl Lang titled
"Industry-Government Partnership Increases Revenues by Reducing Methane
Emissions." The article was then excerpted and reproduced in Hart Show
Daily and distributed to the 7000-plus registrants at the Society of Petroleum
Engineers 1 999 convention in Houston in early October.
Look for other articles on the Natural Gas STAR Program in the October issue
of Hydrocarbon Processing and in the December issue of American Gas.
Natural Gas STAR Partner Update • Fall 1999
-------
IMERS OF
Consolidated Edison Company of New York:
Distribution Partner of the Year
Consolidated Edison Company
of New York (ConEd), a Charter
Partner of the Natural Gas
STAR Program, was named 1 999
Distribution Partner of the Year. EPA
honored Consolidated Edison for
excellent program implementation,
outreach efforts, and promotion of the
STAR Program's economic, safety, and
environmental benefits.
Since joining in 1 993, Consolidated
Edison has achieved impressive results
by implementing the Natural Gas
STAR Program. The company's 1998
annual methane reductions totaled
207 million cubic feet (Mmcf), bring-
ing ConEd's total program reductions
to date to 1.8 Bcf, valued at $3.6
million.
Consolidated Edison has consistently
implemented STAR'S core Best
Management Practices (BMPs) of
directed inspection and maintenance
at gate stations and surface facilities,
and repair and replacement of leaky
distribution pipe. In addition, ConEd
has identified and implemented
several Partner Reported Opportunities
(PROs). In 1998, these included
(1) reinjection of blowdown gas,
and (2) system pressure downgrading
with the use of clocking solenoids and
supervisory pressure control stations.
ConEd's participation in Gas STAR
extends beyond the use of gas-saving
BMPs. During this past year, the com-
pany contributed to EPA's recently
released Natural Gas STAR Trans-
mission and Distribution video, pro-
viding staff for interviews and facility
footage for the tape. In addition,
ConEd's strong support of the program
and assistance with the development
of outreach materials has helped
spread the word about Natural Gas
STAR across the industry.
Consolidated Edison is a regulated
utility providing electric service in
New York City and natural gas in
Manhattan, the Bronx, and part of
Queens and Westchester.
Natural Gas Star Partner Update • Fall 1999
-------
Enron: Transmission Partner of the Year
Enron Gas Pipeline Group
received the 1 999 Natural Gas
STAR Transmission Partner of the
Year award. For the third year in a
row, Enron was recognized for out-
standing contributions to the STAR
Program in the areas of technology
development, outreach, and program
implementation.
Enron continued
its exemplary
implementation of
Natural Gas STAR
Best Management
Practices (BMPs)
and Partner
Reported
Opportunities (PROs) in 1998, result-
ing in total 1 998 reductions of 2.48
Bcf. This one-year savings accomplish -
ment is not only higher than Enron's
total savings from previous years, but
also the highest annual transmission
company reduction ever reported to
the STAR Program! Since joining in
1993, Enron has reduced methane
emissions by over 4.3 Bcf, worth more
than $8.6 million.
Enron has continued to achieve excel-
lent results through participation in the
EPA/GRI/PRC Leak Detection and
Repair Program. In 1998, 60 compres-
sor stations were surveyed using the
Hi-Flow SamplerTM. By the end of
1998, all stations in five of Enron's
pipeline companies had been sur-
veyed. Enron's emissions reductions
resulting from the directed inspection
and maintenance program totaled 523
Mmcf in 1998, worth over $1 million.
Enron also reported using 10 PROs in
1998. These included the (1) lowering
of pipeline pressure prior to mainte-
nance, (2) installation of electric
motors, and (3) replacement of wet
gas seals with dry gas seals on turbines.
Enron has been a strong supporter of
STAR Program outreach activities.
Enron provided staff and video footage
for the newly released Natural Gas
STAR Transmission and Distribution
video. Enron has also continued to
provide information and guidance to
companies interested in joining the
STAR Program.
Enron's pipeline group oper-
ates 32,000 miles of high-
pressure pipeline in six com-
panies across the United
States—Northern Natural,
Transwestern, Florida Gas,
Louisiana Resources,
Northern Border, and
Houston Pipeline.
Richard Felt (I), Senior Operations and Maintenance
Technician, Enron Gas Pipeline Group, and Marc
Phillips (c), Manager, Regulatory Technical Analysis,
Enron Gas Pipeline Group, accept the Transmission
Partner of the Year award from Natural Gas STAR
Program Manager Paul Gunning (r).
Natural Gas Star Partner Update • Fall 1999
-------
Chevron U.S.A. Production Company:
Producer Partner of the Year
Chevron
Robert Sandilos (I), Legislative and Regulatory
Advocate, Chevron U.S.A. Production Co., accepts
Chevron U.S.A. Production Company
received the 1999 Natural Gas STAR
Producer Partner of the Year award.
The company was honored for achieving
significant methane emissions reductions,
furthering industry knowledge in emission-
reducing technologies, and making major
outreach contributions to the STAR
Program.
Chevron has been an active participant in
the Natural Gas STAR Producer Program
since becoming a Charter Partner in 1995.
The company reported nearly 2 Bcf in
reductions in 1998, bringing the firm's
cumulative reported methane emissions
reductions to 9.0 Bcf for activities since
1990.
Chevron has been successful not only
in implementing the
STAR Program's core
Best Management
Practices (BMPs), but
also in identifying and
implementing
Partner Reported
Opportunities (PROs).
PROs implemented
by Chevron in 1998
include (1) reinjecting
the Producer Partner of the Year award from Natural produced natural
(2) installing a compressed air controller
retrofit, (3) reducing venting through flares
and spent-gas recombustion, (4) increasing
the frequency of leak detection and repair,
and (5) surveying and repairing the gather-
ing system leaks. By describing all methane
reduction activities in its annual report to
STAR, Chevron helps to increase the body
of experience and data that fuels the
Natural Gas STAR Program's technology
transfer process.
Chevron's commitment to Natural Gas
STAR includes involvement in many
outreach and technology transfer activities.
The company hosted the Regional Producer
Technology Transfer Workshop in
Bakersfield, California in September 1999.
Chevron staff presented their experiences
with implementing the Gas STAR Program
at the Bakersfield Technology Transfer
Workshop and again at the 6th Annual
Implementation Workshop in Houston,
Texas. Chevron has also assisted EPA in
developing Natural Gas STAR outreach
materials.
Active in more than 90 countries, Chevron
Corporation is one of the largest interna-
tional integrated petroleum companies. In
the United States, Chevron is the third
largest producer of natural gas.
Gas STAR Program Manager Paul Cunning (r).
gas at off-shore pro-
cessing facilities,
(Natural Gas STAR Partner Update • Fall 1999
-------
REPRESE
Wondering who to call with your Gas STAR questions or how to find out more about issues
raised at recent Gas STAR events? Last year, EPA initiated a STAR service representative
program to help enhance your participation and experience with Natural Gas STAR. Your
representative is prepared to:
/ Act as a central point of contact to answer all of your program-related questions
/ Assist you in preparing and submitting annual reports and implementation plans
/ Facilitate information exchange among partners and share lessons learned
/ Keep you up-to-date on program events and news
David Frank 703/841-0588 or
dfrank@erg.com
Jim Knaack 703/841-4378 or
jknaack@erg.com
Trevor Quinn 703/841 -4816 or
tquinn@erg.com
Jocelyn Spielman 703/841-0557 or
jspielma@erg.com
Partner feedback on this service has been very positive. This past year, service
representatives have helped a number of partners identify appropriate participants
to contact for more information about specific BMPs and PROs. To the left are the
service representatives and their contact information.
If you are not sure who your representative is, look on our web site at
www.epa.gov/gasstar or call Jim Knaack at 703/841-4378.
Early Credit Legislation Proposed in House
Representatives Rick Lazio (R-IA) and
Calvin Dooley (D-CA) unveiled the
Credit for Voluntary Actions Act (H.R.
2520) on July 14, 1 999. The bill was
referred to the House Commerce
Committee. Co-sponsors included
Representatives Boehlert (R-NY),
Kind (D-WI), Castle (R-DE), Moran (D-
VA), Saxton (R-NJ), Roemer (D-IN),
Ganske (R-IA), Maloney (D-CT),
Gilchrest (R-MD), Price (D-NC), and
Smith (D-WA).
Like the Credit for Voluntary
Reductions Act (S. 547) proposed by
the late Senator Chafee (R-RI) and
others in March 1999, H.R. 2520
would authorize the President to enter
into agreements providing credit for
voluntary early actions that mitigate
the potential impact of greenhouse
gases. The credit could be applied in
any future domestic program regulat-
ing greenhouse gas emissions. It also
allows for retroactive credit—one ton
of reduction credit for each ton of
emissions reductions or carbon
sequestration—for reductions carried
out between 1 991 and 1998 under a
federal agency program, such as
Natural Gas STAR.
This bill and other early action propos-
als were the topic of the keynote
address by Vicki Arroyo Cochran of
the Pew Center on Global Climate
Change during the 6th Annual Natural
Gas STAR Workshop in October.
Ms. Cochran's presentation sparked a
discussion about the important role of
voluntary programs such as Natural
Gas STAR in reducing the risk of
global climate change.
For more information or for the text of
these bills, visit the House web site at
http://www.house.gov, or the bill loca-
tor at http://www.THOMAS.loc.gov.
Ms. Cochran's presentation will be
reproduced in the proceedings of the
1999 Natural Gas STAR Implementa-
tion Workshop. If you did not attend
the workshop and would like a copy,
contact Jon Passe at 202/564-9793 or
at passe.jonathan@epa.gov.
Natural Gas STAR Partner Update • Fall 1999
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Public/Private Partnership Offers Independent
Technology Performance Data to the Gas Industry
The Greenhouse Gas Technology
Verification Center is one of 1 2 inde-
pendent performance verification
j*. organizations estab-
•W^rwVX//^ lished under EPA's
\/ Environmental
Technology
Verification (ETV) Program. As a
public/private partnership between
EPA's Office of Research and
Development and the Southern
Research Institute (SRI), the Center
tests and evaluates the performance of
greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation and
monitoring technologies.
"If we reduce GHGs and provide
industry with economically viable
technologies, everyone wins—
including the gas industry, the environ-
ment, and the technology vendor,"
says Steve Piccot, Director of the GHG
Center. Common goals shared by EPA,
SRI, and private industry partners have
drawn the Center's focus toward GHG
technologies that provide benefits
beyond simply reducing GHGs.
Locating and testing technologies that
provide enhanced economic perfor-
mance, improved process perfor-
mance, or other benefits are central to
the current mission of the Center.
In 1998, the Center began field evalu-
ations of technologies applicable to
the oil and natural gas industries.
Technologies being evaluated include
devices that reduce leaks from com-
pressor rod seals, a new computer
model-based continuous emission
monitor for internal combustion (1C)
engines, a low-leak liquid storage tank
pressure relief valve, and an on-site
electricity generation system for trans-
mission compressor stations (Allied
Signal microturbine).
Reducing Methane Leaks from
Natural Gas Compressors
In the natural gas industry, reciprocat-
ing compressors leak methane from
blowdown valves, rod packing, unit
isolation valves, pressure relief valves,
and other fugitive sources. A large
portion of these emissions is attribut-
able to compressor rod packing; as a
consequence, the Center has evaluat-
ed two different types of rod seal leak
mitigation devices.
The Seal Assist System (SAS) is a sec-
ondary emission containment device
designed to prevent compressor rod
packing leaks. It allows existing rod
packing leaks to continue, but the
leaking gas is contained within a
secondary containment gland. The
contained gas is then collected,
recompressed, and routed into the
compressor engine fuel line for use.
This captured gas represents not
only the recovery of lost
product and economic
resources, but also the
reduction of GHG
emissions.
SAS was verified at a
natural gas compressor
station operated by
Transwestern Pipeline
Company of the Enron
Gas Pipeline Group.
Installed on three sepa-
rate compressors, the
system recovered from
3.7 scfm to 11.6 scfm of gas during
Phase I testing and successfully inject-
ed this gas into the engine fuel line for
use. The average gas recovery rate
was 7.2 ± 0.22 scfm of gas, which
equated to an average leak capture
efficiency of 70 ± 1 0 percent.
Recovery was reduced because a ter-
tiary seal on the SAS was leaking. A
new tertiary seal design is being inte-
grated into the system. The final Phase
2 testing will report on the overall
economic payback period of SAS.
The C. Lee Cook Static PacTM device is
the second compressor rod seal leak
mitigation device independently veri-
fied by the Center. The Static PacTM
is designed to prevent rod packing
leaks from escaping into the atmos-
phere during pressurized compressor
standby periods. It is installed in a
conventional packing case by replac-
ing several rings. Upon shutdown of
the compressor, the compressor con-
trol system activates the Static Pac™
and wedges a lip seal into contact
with the rod, reducing or eliminating
ANR technician helps verify the C. Lee Cook Static PacTI
compressor station.
at a
Natural Gas STAR Partner Update • Fall 1999
-------
idle-mode emissions. Verified at a nat-
ural gas compressor station operated
by ANR Pipeline Company (ANR) (see
photo), the Static Pac™ was found to
reduce 96 percent of rod packing
emissions while the compressor was in
an idle, pressurized state.
Continuous 1C Engine
Emissions Monitoring at a
Low Capital Cost
Natural gas transmission companies
often use large gas-fired 1C engines to
drive natural gas compressors. A para-
metric emissions monitoring system
(PEMS) applicable to gas-fired 1C
engines has been developed by
ANR Pipeline Company of Detroit,
Michigan. The PEMS approach pro-
vides an alternative to conventional,
instrumental continuous emission
monitoring systems, with the potential
to be more cost effective. It provides
continuous readings of emissions of
carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monox-
ide (CO), total hydrocarbons including
methane (THC), oxygen (O2), and
nitrogen oxides (NOX). The PEMS
approach to monitoring exhaust emis-
sions is based on establishing relation-
ships between engine operating
parameters (as determined by existing
engine sensors) and exhaust emissions.
Fundamentally, PEMS are computer-
ized algorithms that describe the rela-
tionships between operating parame-
ters and emissions without the use
of continuous emission monitoring
hardware.
ANR Pipeline Company requested that
ETV verification be conducted, and a
test was completed in August 1999 at
an ANR compressor station. The ANR
PEMS was tested over a full range of
normal and off-normal engine operat-
ing conditions, and the relative accura-
cy of PEMS was determined by com-
paring PEMS emission predictions to
emissions measured directly by
in-stack instruments. The Verification
Report is being prepared, and pre-
liminary results suggest that the ANR
PEMS is capable of producing emission
rate predictions with relative accura-
cies that are similar to those expected
for conventional, instrumental continu-
ous emission monitoring systems.
Low Pollution Oil Storage Tank
Protection
Approximately 900 storage tanks are in
crude oil service in the United States.
These tanks release volatile con-
stituents contained in the crude oil,
such as methane, ethane, hydrogen
sulfide, and other volatile species. If a
tank's pressure relief valve (PRV) does
not completely seal the tank from the
atmosphere, methane and regulated
air pollutants can be emitted. The
Protectoseal Company requested
independent verification of its
storage tank PRV technology—the
PIN-TECH Bubble Tight <500ppm
Relief Vent. The PIN-TECH device is
designed to reduce fugitive emissions
in the non-venting condition (i.e., the
PRV is not venting tank gases to relieve
a dangerous overpressure condition),
and it is applicable to low pressure
tanks (<1 Spsig maximum).
This PRV design incorporates a unique
steel buckling pin that the vendor
claims sets the relief pressure and
keeps the valve tight while in the non-
venting mode. If the pressure inside
the tank rises to the set point, the
relief pin is designed to buckle, thus
allowing the valve to vent pressure
and keep from destroying the tank.
Protectoseal claims that the PIN-TECH
design provides positive sealing of the
tank compared to more conventional
weight or spring-loaded PRVs. The
leak tightness of the system was
verified by measuring emissions from
several PIN-TECH valves in simulated
crude oil service. These results were
compared to similar tests of leak tight-
ness conducted on selected conven-
tional PRVs. The Verification Report is
being prepared; preliminary results
show the consistent leak tightness of
the Pin-Tech PRV and suggest the PRV
design may provide superior leak miti-
gation compared to some conventional
PRV designs.
Companies interested in actively
participating in Center activities and
stakeholder groups can contact the
Center via the Internet at www.sri-
rtp.company/index.html, or by phone
at 91 9-806-3456 (ask for Stephen
Piccot, Center Director). Complete
Verification Reports and Test Plans
for the technologies described above
can be viewed or downloaded from
the web site.
Natural Gas STAR Partner Update • Fall 1999
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The 6th Annual Natural Gas STAR
Implementation Workshop
Thank you!
to the following organizations
for their support of the 6th
Annual Natural Gas STAR
Implementation Workshop:
American Gas Association,
American Petroleum
Institute, Enron Gas Pipeline
Group, Interstate Natural
Gas Association of America,
and Natural Gas Supply
Association.
STAR Partnership
in Action
EPA and the natural gas industry
celebrated the continuing success
of their special partnership at the
6th Annual Natural Gas STAR
Implementation Workshop in
Houston, Texas. More than 80
participants attended the 2-day
event, representing 30 partner
companies, 15 prospective partners,
and 3 endorsing organizations.
The workshop showcased partners'
success in maximizing efficiency
gains, gas savings, and environ-
mental benefits through implement-
ing the STAR Program. It provided
a forum to highlight partner and
program achievements, discuss
experiences and new technologies
or practices, learn about new STAR
tools, and network with peers.
In sector-specific breakout sessions,
partners discussed their experiences
with specific Best Management
Practices (BMPs) and other emis-
sions reduction opportunities. EPA
and STAR Partners also discussed
the expansion of the STAR pro-
gram—to include the gas processing
sector and to allow interested part-
ners to report projects that reduce
CO, as well as methane.
Workshop Highlights
The Climate Change
Debate
In a keynote address, Peter A.
Zwart, Asset Manager for BP
Amoco's operations in the San Juan
Basin, highlighted his company's
commitment to address climate
change and the actions being taken
to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions. Among BP Amoco's
global initiatives are a GHG emis-
sions inventory, a review of business
systems and processes to identify
opportunities for efficiency gains,
the Clean Cities/Clean Fuels pro-
gram, a pilot internal emissions
trading system, and expansion of
BP Amoco's Solarex business.
Mr. Zwart expanded on several
initiatives in the company's Rocky
Mountain region. The emissions
reduction program there includes
replacing about 4,000 high-bleed
pneumatic controllers with no-
bleed units, working with the U.S.
Department of Energy on a large
CO2 sequestration project, and
reducing gas-well venting during the
unloading of production tubing.
Vicki Arroyo Cochran of the non-
profit Pew Center on Global
Climate Change gave the second
keynote address. The Pew Center
Natural Gas Star Partner Update • Fall 1999
-------
works with industry to promote the
view that businesses should take con-
crete steps to assess opportunities for
emissions reductions, establish emis-
sions reduction objectives, and invest
in more efficient technologies and
practices. Ms. Cochran reviewed
current developments in the climate
change debate and international nego-
tiations, noting the importance of early
action by U.S. companies to reduce
GHG emissions in advance of any
future regulation. She summarized
Congressional activity on early action,
highlighting the key provisions of
S. 547 (Chafee, Mack, Lieberman),
H.R. 2520 (Lazio, Dooley), and other
proposed legislation.
STAR Partners Share
Best Practices
Technology transfer among partner
companies is critical to the continuing
success of the STAR Program. In sector-
specific breakout sessions, partners
gave brief presentations and fielded
questions on recent projects and activi-
ties undertaken to reduce methane
emissions.
Production Sector presentations
covered the following topics:
• Texaco's Implementation of Gas STAR
- Michael Milliet, Texaco E&P Inc.
• Conversion to Instrument Air -James
Frederick, Spirit Energy/Unocal
• Increasing Dehydrator Efficiency -
Robert Sandilos, Chevron USA
Production Co.
• Increasing Well Efficiency for
Independent Producers - John
Martin, NYSERDA
Transmission/Distribution Sector pre-
sentations covered the following topics:
• El Paso's Valve Servicing Program -
John Hazen, El Paso Natural Gas
Company
• Experiences with the Hi-Flow
Sampler™ - Marc Phillips, Enron Gas
Pipeline Group
• Fugitive Emissions Management -
Srikanth Venugopal, TransCanada
Transmission
• Inspection and Maintenance Survey
Results - Doug Andrew, Great Lakes
Transmission
• NESCAUM Greenhouse Gas Trading
Demonstration Project - Paul Lynch,
Keyspan Energy
Gas Processors Discuss STAR
Program Expansion
In a dedicated session for gas process-
ing companies, participants discussed
options for expanding the Natural Gas
STAR Program to include gas proces-
sors. EPA led a discussion of relevant
issues, including the methane emissions
reduction potential for this sector, a
review of STAR Program BMPs and
Partner Reported Opportunities (PROs)
and their applicability to gas process-
ing, the development of a new MOU,
and research and data needs.
Participants—including STAR'S Charter
gas processing Partner GPM Gas
Corporation—were enthusiastic about
the program expansion and agreed to
serve as an informal working group to
move the new partnership forward.
Environmental Technology
Verification Program Provides
Opportunities for Testing
New Technologies
After briefly describing EPA's Environ-
mental Technology Verification (ETV)
Program, Sushma Masemore presented
specific information about the Green-
house Gas Technology Performance
Verification Program and the three
natural gas industry technologies tested
to date. See related article on pages
1 0-11 of this Update. For more infor-
mation or to discuss a new technology,
contact Stephen Piccot at 91 9/806-
3456 or visit the ETV web site at
http://www.sri-rtp.company.
STAR Implementation Tips
New and prospective partners heard
an overview of the Natural Gas STAR
Program in a dedicated session. Step-
by-step procedures were offered for
joining the program, developing an
implementation plan, and streamlining
the reporting process. Details on evalu-
ating methane emissions reduction
opportunities for implementation were
also covered. Sharing his valuable
experience with partners, Joe D'Emidio
of Keyspan Energy explained how his
company enhanced program imple-
mentation by communicating STAR'S
value throughout the company.
New Program Tools Unveiled
In a session for veteran partners, EPA's
Natural Gas STAR Program Team
unveiled new implementation tools,
requested feedback on current tools,
and heard suggestions for improving the
program. The new tools—including
videos, partner case studies, new
Lessons Learned Summaries, and the
emissions reductions summary report—
are described in more detail on page
14 of this Update. Feedback received
from STAR Program Partners will be
incorporated into the final version of
each product.
Natural Gas Star Partner Update • Fall 1999
-------
New Natural
Gas STAR
Tools
Superior Implementation
Case Studies
The newly developed Superior
Implementation Case Studies focus
on how companies promote and
implement the program internally,
and how companies address
challenges to participating in the
Gas STAR Program. Case Studies on
Brooklyn Union and El Paso Natural
Gas Company will be available soon.
Revised Program
Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU)
At the suggestion of current and
prospective partners, EPA is revising
the Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) that formalizes participation in
the STAR Program. The new draft
MOU maintains the core elements of
the original, but uses a one-page for-
mat and simplified language. The draft
MOU was circulated for review at the
recent annual workshop. Partners
liked the shortened MOU and offered
suggestions for further improvement.
Review copies of the final draft have
been sent to each partner for addi-
tional feedback. Current partners will
not be required to re-sign the new
version, but may do so if they choose.
Once finalized, the new MOU will be
posted on the Gas STAR web site.
PROGRAM
Program Implementation Videos
The Natural Gas STAR Program has completed two new videos—one for production
companies, the other for transmission and distribution companies. The videos are
designed to help Implementation Managers and prospective partners educate
employees about the STAR Program and to encourage strong industry participation.
The videos provide an overview of the program, highlights of the recommended
Best Management Practices with typical costs and savings information, and inter-
views with partners and industry association representatives.
Partner Reported
Opportunities (PROs) on
the Web
Brief Fact Sheets on Partner Reported
Opportunities (PROs) give partners
technical and economic information on
various gas-saving technologies and
practices. Based on experiences
reported by STAR Partners, the Fact
Sheets help partners evaluate new
options for reducing emissions. Now,
the complete set is available in both
PDF and HTML formats on the Gas
STAR web site at www.epa.gov/gasstar.
Emissions Reductions
Summary Reports
As a service to partners, the STAR
Program is developing company-specific
Emissions Reductions Summary Reports
(formerly introduced as Partner
Benchmarking Reports). The reports will
allow partners to verify Natural Gas STAR
Program records with their own files and
to compare their efforts with leading part-
ners in their sector on a normalized basis.
In addition, the reports will help partners
identify innovative methane reduction
opportunities being implemented by
other companies. Company-specific data
will be kept confidential.
Lessons Learned Summaries
In the Spring of 1 999, the Natural Gas STAR Program surveyed partners for input on
which PROs they would like developed into more detailed Lessons Learned
Summaries. Based on partner feedback, data availability, and the potential emissions
reduction and cost savings, the Gas STAR Program is developing new Lessons
Learned Summaries of the following PROs:
• Using Hot Tapping for Pressure Connections
• Reducing System Pressures
• Converting Gas Pneumatics to Instrument Air
These new Lessons Learned Summaries will soon be available on the Natural Gas
STAR web site at www.epa.gov/gasstar.
Natural Gas STAR Partner Update • Fall 1999
-------
DOCU yvt E
REQU EST
FO RVVt
Name & Title:
Organization:
Street Address:
City, State, Zip:
E-Mail Address:
Telephone #:
Date Requested:
Date Info Needed:
FAX#:
FedEx/UPS # (if info needed asap):
Please fax to
your STAR Service
Representative
or directly to the
Natural Gas
STAR Program at
202/565-2077.
PLEASE INDICATE WHICH
MATERIALS YOU WOULD
LIKE TO RECEIVE:
LESSONS LEARNED
1. Directed Inspection and Maintenance at Compressor Stations
2. Directed Inspection and Maintenance at Gate Stations and Surface Facilities
3. Options for Reducing Methane Emissions from Pneumatic Devices in the Natural Gas Industry
4. Installation of Flash Tank Separators
5. Reducing Methane Emissions from Compressor Rod Packing Systems
6. Reducing Emissions When Taking Compressors Off-line
7. Installing Vapor Recovery Units on Crude Oil Storage Tanks
8. Replacing Wet Seals with Dry Seals in Centrifugal Compressors
9. Reducing the Glycol Circulation Rates in Dehydrators
10. Replacing Gas-Assisted Glycol Pumps with Electric Pumps
11. Installing Plunger Lift Systems in Gas Wells
12. Using Pipeline Pump-Down Techniques To Lower Pipeline Pressure Before Maintenance
STAR IMPLEMENTATION TOOLS
Decision Support Software
Decision Support Software Manual
Video - Production
Video - Transmission/Distribution
Case Study - El Paso Natural Gas
OUTREACH MATERIALS
Natural Gas STAR Program Brochure
Natural Gas STAR Marketing Package
Natural Gas STAR Promotional Toolkit
STAR Partner Update, Summer 1998
STAR Partner Update, Spring 1999
Case Study - Brooklyn Union/Keyspan Energy
-------
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