University of Colorado at Boulder
BMP of Oil and Gas Development

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BMP ID: 4961
Title: Replace Gas Starters With Air.
Text: Table 1â€"Cost-Effective Options for Reducing Methane Emissions: "Replace Gas Starters With Air. Engines for compressors, generators, and pumps are often started using small gas-expansion turbines. Pressurized gas expanded across the starter turbine rotates the engine for startup, and then vents to the atmosphere. Replacing the natural gas with compressed air will eliminate this source of methane emissions. A stationary or mobile air compressor is required. Other implementation costs include installation of piping between an existing air compressor and the starter motor and electrical power for the compressor. Methane emission reductions depend on the number of engine startups and the volume of gas needed to start the motor. One partner reported total methane savings of 500 Mcf/yr for multiple engine startups." [see Table 2 and 3 in source document for costs, benefits and production characteristics]
Source Publication Name: Cost-effective methane emissions reductions for small and midsize natural gas producers
Citation Section: Table 1
Citation Page: 4
Supplemental Documents:  
Usage Type: Recommended
Timing: • Production / Operation / Maintenance
Oil / Gas Field:  
Surface Ownership: • Federal
• State
• Private
Mineral Ownership: • Federal
• State
• Private
Primary Contact: Environmental Protection Agency
Ariel Rios Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC  20460  United States
Phone:(202) 272-0167     Alt. Phone:(202) 272-0165
Fax:     E-mail: 
Alternate Contact:  
 
Categories: Air Quality and Emissions
Location: General / Federal
Species:
Vegetation Types:
General Comments:
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Cost & Benefits: Equipment Cost= <$1,000; O&M Cost = $1,000; Saleable Gas Saving (Mcf/d)= 80.0; Expected Payback= Less than one month; Operating Requirement= Exixting air compressor; Basis for cost saving= One 3,000 HP compressor, 10 starts/yr O&M is incremental electricity; Other Benefits= Reduced VOC and HAP emissions.
BMP Efficacy:
Date Entered: 2009-04-20 11:44 UTC
Last Updated: 2011-07-17 13:54 UTC