SRP: GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION
This Strategic Research Priority will provide greenhouse gas reduction technology in the combustion process for both fugitive and vented natural gas.
outcomes and value to industry
Understanding the carbon footprint of an operating company for the purposes of permitting new facilities.
Improving standards for assessing performance, technological advancement and tools to mitigate emissions, and providing a standardized approach for assessing alternatives.
Technology advancement and standards development to encourage agencies to implement more efficient and lower cost GHG regulations or permit requirements.
Evolving regulations at the state, federal, and international levels, including carbon trading/carbon tax approaches.
industry improvement
Developing an economic prioritization model/tool to identify the GHG reduction efforts that provide the largest net reduction in GHG emissions per net present value of spend.
Increasing the efficiency of both compression driver and driven equipment.
Enhancing leak mitigation programs to efficiently implement alternatives to conventional regulatory leak detection and repair programs.
Reducing fugitive leaks through compressor rod packing, gas seals, and isolation/blowdown/dump valves.
Developing alternatives to natural gas pneumatic control and actuation devices, and assessing the feasibility and optimization of current alternatives.
Reducing natural gas blowdowns associated with pipeline repair and equipment shutdowns.
Developing enhanced natural gas leak detection/ quantification methods.
Working to change regulations that inhibit economically viable methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
CURRENT RESULTS
Developed economic analysis tool that identifies largest net reduction in emissions for different technologies and operating conditions.
Technologies such as steam methane reforming, non-catalytic partial oxidation, autothermal reforming, plasma reformers, and dry reformers are being studied for use as an alternative to compressor fuel. Viable technologies could lead to additional research.
Literature review completed that depicts current techniques for minimizing blowdowns by pipelines during repairs and replacements. Best practices and recommendations for future work are included.
Literature review ongoing that will assess retrofittable, low-cost flow sensors for compressor stations that will facilitate continuous monitoring and diagnostics of equipment. Survey has been completed of members to determine technologies of most interest.