NaturalGasA
EM POLLUTION PREVENTER^
Table of Sunset Dates/
Technologies and Practices by Industry Sector
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
¦	Automate compressor systems operation to reduce
venting*
¦	Catalytic converter installation (10 years)
¦	Convert engine starting to nitrogen and/or C02 rich
gas (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 control systems (10
years)*
¦	Install electric compressors (10 years)*
¦	Install electric motors (10 years)
¦	Install electric 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*
¦	Replace compressor rod packing systems*
¦	Replace gas starters with air (10 years)*
¦	Replace ignition/reduce false starts*
¦	Turbine fuel use optimization
Dehydrators
¦	Install condensers on glycol dehydrators (10 years)
¦	Install/convert gas-driven chemical pumps to electric,
mechanical, or solar pumps (10 years)*
¦	Install desiccant dehydrator (10 years)*
¦	Install flash tank separators on glycol dehydrators
(10 years)*
¦	Reduce glycol circulation rates in dehydrators*
¦	Reroute dehy./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 system*
¦	Pipeline replacement and repair
¦	Use fixed/portable compressors for pipeline
pumpdown*
¦	Use hot taps for in-service pipeline connections*
Pneumatics/Controls
¦	Capture/use gas released from gas-operated
pneumatic pumps
¦	Convert gas-driven chemical pumps to instrument air
(10 years)*
¦	Convert gas pneumatic controls to instrument air (10
years)*
¦	Convert pneumatic devices to mechanical/electronic
(10 years)*
¦	Identify and replace high-bleed pneumatic devices
(7 years)*
¦	Install/convert gas powered separators to solar
powered separators (10 years)
¦	Install controllers on gas-assisted methanol pump
(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)
¦	Consolidate crude oil production and water storage
tanks (10 years)*
¦	Convert water tank blanket from natural gas to C02
(10 years)*
¦	Install evactors (10 years)
Last updated: February 2011

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NaturalGasA
EM POLLUTION PREVENTER^
Table of Sunset Dates/
Technologies and Practices by Industry Sector
Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices—
Production Sector
Tanks
¦	Install flash gas compressors (10 years)
¦	Install hydrocarbon liquid stabilizer (10 years)
¦	Install pressurized storage of condensate (10 years)*
¦	Install vapor recovery units (VRUs) (10 years)*
¦	Install vapor recovery units on pipeline
liquid/condensate tanks (10 years)*
¦	Recycle line recover gas during condensate loading*
¦	Reduce excess blanket gas blow-by to the
atmosphere
¦	Replace leaking aboveground 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 plugs on valves and open ended lines
(10 years)
¦	Reduce venting from unlit pilot: install BASO valves
(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*
¦	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)
¦	Optimize nitrogen rejection unit to reduce methane in
N2 reject stream*
¦	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 2011

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Table of Sunset Dates/
Technologies and Practices by Industry Sector
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
¦	Convert engine starting to nitrogen and/or C02 rich
gas (10 years)*
¦	Eliminate unnecessary equipment and/or systems*
¦	Install automated air/fuel ratio control systems (10
years)*
¦	Install electric compressors (10 years)*
¦	Install electric starters (10 years)*
¦	Redesign blowdown/alter ESD practices*
¦	Reduce emissions when taking compressors offline*
¦	Replace compressor rod packing systems*
¦	Replace gas starters with air (10 years)*
Dehydrators
¦	Install condensers on glycol dehydrators (10 years)
¦	Install/convert gas-driven chemical pumps to electric,
mechanical, or solar pumps (10 years)*
¦	Install flash tank separators on glycol dehydrators
(10 years)*
¦	Reduce glycol circulation rates in dehydrators*
¦	Reroute dehy./tank vents to flare or station suction
(10 years)*
¦	Replace glycol dehydration units with methanol
injection (10 years)*
¦	Reroute glycol skimmer gas*
Directed Inspection and Maintenance
¦	DI&M at compressor stations*
¦	DI&M at gas plants and booster stations*
¦	DI&M: aerial leak detection using laser and/or
infrared technology
¦	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 inert gases and pigs to perform pipeline purges*
Use fixed/portable compressors for pipeline
pumpdown*
Use hot taps for in-service pipeline connections*
Use of improved protective coating at pipeline canal
crossings (10 years)*
Pneumatics/Controls
Capture and use waste heat to reduce gas usage
and emissions
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) (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*
Other
Convert natural gas fired generator to solar power
(10 years)
Install flares (10 years)*
Optimize nitrogen rejection unit to reduce methane in
N2 reject stream*
Process/re-route acid gas to reduce venting
Last updated: February 2011

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NaturalGasA
EM POLLUTION PREVENTER^
Table of Sunset Dates/
Technologies and Practices by Industry Sector
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 control systems (10
years)*
¦	Install electric compressors (10 years)*
¦	Install electric motors (10 years)
¦	Install electric 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 frequency of engine starts with gas*
¦	Replace compressor cylinder unloaders*
¦	Replace compressor rod packing systems*
¦	Replace gas starters with air (10 years)*
¦	Replace ignition/reduce false starts*
¦	Replace wet compressor seals with dry seals (10
years)*
¦	Use of turbines at compressor stations (20 years)
Dehydrators
¦	Install condensers on glycol dehydrators (10 years)
¦	Install flash tank separators/controls on Tran. sector
glycol dehydrators (10 years)*
¦	Install/convert gas-driven chemical pumps to electric,
mechanical, or solar pumps (10 years)*
¦	Replace glycol dehydrator with separator & in-line
heaters (10 years)*
¦	Reroute dehy./tank vents to flare or station suction
(10 years)*
¦	Reroute glycol skimmer gas*
Directed Inspection and Maintenance
¦	DI&M at compressor stations*
¦	DI&M at remote sites*
¦	DI&M: aerial leak detection using laser and/or
infrared technology
¦	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 fixed/portable compressors for pipeline
pumpdown*
¦	Use hot taps for in-service pipeline connections*
¦	Use inert gas/pigs for pipeline purges*
Pneumatics/Controls
¦	Convert gas-driven chemical pumps to instrument air
(10 years)*
¦	Convert gas pneumatic controls to instrument air (10
years)*
¦	Identify and replace high-bleed pneumatic devices
(7 years)*
¦	Install no bleed controllers (10 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 2011

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NaturalGasA
EM POLLUTION PREVENTER^
Table of Sunset Dates/
Technologies and Practices by Industry Sector
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 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 2011

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NaturalGasA
EM POLLUTION PREVENTER^
Table of Sunset Dates/
Technologies and Practices by Industry Sector
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 starters (10 years)*
¦	Redesign blowdown/alter ESD practices*
¦	Reduce frequency of engine starts with gas*
¦	Replace compressor rod packing systems*
¦	Replace ignition/reduce false starts*
Dehydrators
¦	Reroute dehy./tank vents to flare or station suction
(10 years)*
Directed Inspection and Maintenance
¦	DI&M at compressor stations (non-mainline
transmission)*
¦	DI&M at gate stations and surface facilities*
¦	DI&M: survey and repair leaks
¦	DI&M: increase frequency of leak surveys*
¦	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 fixed/portable compressors for pipeline
pumpdown*
¦	Use hot taps for in-service pipeline connections*
¦	Use no-blow insertion fittings
Pneumatics/Controls
¦	Convert gas-driven chemical pumps to instrument air
(10 years)*
¦	Convert gas pneumatic controls to instrument air (10
years)*
¦	Convert gas pneumatic controls to instrument air (10
years)*
¦	Use add-on controls to reduce emissions from
pneumatics (10 years)
Valves
¦	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 system*
¦	Install flares (10 years)*
¦	Re-inject CNG cylinder test gas
¦	Retighten LNG pump seals
¦	Use automated systems to reduce pressure
Last updated: February 2011

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