The United States has the largest natural gas pipeline network in the world, consisting of about three million miles of pipelines linking production and storage facilities with consumers.1 Pipelines are considered to be the safest transportation method for natural gas, crude oil and other petroleum products,2 but potent greenhouse gases such as methane can still be emitted during normal operations, routine maintenance, fugitive leaks or system upsets.3 Policymakers, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have therefore introduced a number of guidelines to help reduce air pollution across the natural gas value chain.4
One way for natural gas companies to tackle emissions of methane and other pollutants from pipelines is to monitor gas flow, especially during blowdowns. Fortunately, innovative instruments are available to measure and control all critical points within a gas pipeline, and to determine the quantity of emissions that can be expected in the event of a blowdown. This offers companies an additional level of control to ensure compliance with regulations in the event of depressurization events and scheduled or unscheduled maintenance.
Download this case study to learn how Thermo Fisher Scientific and Vector Pipeline collaborated to use the Thermo Scientific™ AutoFLEX Flow Computer to establish safe and effective pipelines through real-time hydrocarbon measurement.
References
1. Natural gas pipelines. 2022. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Accessed 4th July 2023. Available at: https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/natural-gas/natural-gas-pipelines.php
2. Pipeline Safety Stakeholder Communications. Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Accessed 4th July 2023. Available at: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/PipelineBasics.htm
3. Primary Sources of Methane Emissions. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Accessed 5th July 2023. Available at: https://www.epa.gov/natural-gas-star-program/primary-sources-methane-emissions
4. Cahill, B. 2023. What’s next for oil and gas methane regulations. Center for Strategic & International Studies. Accessed 5th July 2023. Available at: https://www.csis.org/analysis/whats-next-oil-andgas-methane-regulations