This white paper was presented during the 2023 Pipeline Pigging and Integrity Management Conference.
Title: Innovative Pipeline Evacuation Technologies for Reducing Methane Releases to the Environment During Pipeline Maintenance and Pigging Operations
Abstract:
Pipeline operators are showing a growing interest in adopting new technology solutions and operating practices to reduce methane releases during pipeline operations and maintenance. This increasing attention is focused on methane capture and recovery during routine pigging operations. The number of pigging operations, and the fact that they are usually conducted on a predictable schedule suggest that this source of methane release should be a prime target for operators seeking to improve their environmental profile.
This paper will provide an overview of technologies and operating practices that can be implemented to reduce methane releases during pigging operations. We will discuss technology features that are most important in determining project success including natural gas capture time, system set up time, the need for additional equipment and fuel supply, and consideration of equipment physical size. We will go over how these factors all impact the time and cost to capture natural gas. Also discussed is the importance of collecting and securing data to meet regulatory and auditing requirements.