Methane Mitigation:
Upstream Oil and Gas Methane Emission Reductions

Methane is the primary constituent of natural gas. Natural gas can be produced either associated with oil production, where it evolves from the oil as pressure is reduced, or as non-associated gas, where it is produced without the oil component. The recovery and processing of the oil and its associated gas or of non-associated gas can result in the loss of methane to the atmosphere. In the past methane has been treated as an insignificant byproduct or even a waste stream in oil production, and leakage from natural gas systems has been considered insignificant relative to its value. With the increased value of methane and recognition of its detrimental environmental impact this has changed. There are several cost-effective technologies available to capture the value of this resource and mitigate the environmental impact of the release of methane. Some of the more profitable options available to oil and gas operators include:

• Green completions: Capture methane during gas well completion or workover operations
• Compressor seal modifications: Capture methane by modifying rod packing in reciprocating compressors or replacing wet seals with dry seals on centrifugal compressors
• Installing Vapor recovery units: Capture methane released from produced oil going to the stock tank from a gas-oil separator

To learn more about methane emission reduction opportunities in the natural gas industry, visit: www.epa.gov/gasstar