ExxonMobil Proposes Framework for Methane Regulations
(P&GJ) — ExxonMobil today released a model framework for industry-wide methane regulations that includes specific guidance related to transmission pipeline blowdowns between compressor stations.
Darren Woods, chairman and CEO of the Irving, Texas-based energy company, said it has been applying the principals outlined in the framework to its oil and natural gas operations for the past several years, "resulting in improvements that demonstrate what's practicable and achievable."
To achieve meaningful reductions in methane emissions, the company said, regulations should address and include four primary requirements:
- Leak detection and repair programs across oil and gas infrastructure
- Minimization of venting
- Operational equipment controls
- Record keeping and reporting to support agency enforcement
It included recommendations to minimize excessive venting from pneumatic pumps and transmission pipeline blowdowns between compressor stations. Blowdowns involve reducing system pressure or completely depressurizing pipe, typically for maintenance activities.
The company's proposed regulatory practice for blowdowns includes the following steps:
- Route gas to a compressor or capture system for beneficial use, or
- Route gas to a flare, or
- Route gas to a low-pressure system by taking advantage of existing piping connections between high- and low-pressure systems, temporarily resetting or bypassing pressure regulators to reduce system pressure prior to maintenance, or installing temporary connections between high and low-pressure systems, or
- Utilize hot tapping, a procedure that makes a new pipeline connection while the pipeline remains in service, flowing natural gas under pressure, to avoid the need to blow down gas
A complete copy of ExxonMobil's model regulatory framework is available for download.
Related News
Related News

- Poland Detects Leak in Russia's Druzhba Oil Pipeline
- Magellan Midstream Approves $18.8 Billion Sale to ONEOK, Creating Major U.S. Pipeline Player
- Energy Transfer to Buy Crestwood in $7.1 Billion Pipeline Deal
- DT Midstream Successfully Completes Phase 1 LEAP Expansion Ahead of Schedule
- South Dakota Denies Permit for Summit Carbon Solutions' 495-Mile CO2 Pipeline Segment
- Canada Looking to Sell Trans Mountain Pipeline Stake to Indigenous Groups
- Energy Transfer to Buy Crestwood in $7.1 Billion Pipeline Deal
- Criteria to Consider in Selecting Water Transfer Flow Meters
- US Energy Firm Payouts to Oil Investors Top Exploration Spending for First Time
- DT Midstream Successfully Completes Phase 1 LEAP Expansion Ahead of Schedule
Comments