Following are a set of P2 options you may wish to implement. No option is perfect for everyone, but sometimes options
that have worked at one facility can work at yours. They might also serve as inspiration.
Reviewed Oil and Gas - Pipeline Options
Options below have reviewed by pollution prevention specialists. They are commonly recommended and implemented
for facilities.
Reduce waste from leaks
Use leak detection technology (e.g. chemical sensing cables)
Inspect for leaks in natural gas pipelines with surface sampling instruments by the flame-ionization principle.
Inspect areas for pools of product or dead vegetation on the pipeline right of way (Leaks in liquid natural gas pipelines are not as easily detected, and the soil around the line must be tested for constituents like propane and butane.)
Detect leaks through investigating loss of working line pressure.
Train dispatchers and employees to recognize situation that are likely to result in leaks and to intervene appropriately.
Inspect for worn gaskets and valve stem packings, fractures and corrosion in the pipeline and perform preventative maintenance. Inspection may be done manually or using smart pigs.
Prevent corrosion in pipelines
Prevent corrosion in pipelines that may cause leaks or structural problems by the following methods:
Coat pipe and joints to insulate metal from soil.
Construct anodes or ground beds at strategic points along the pipeline. These ground beds provide cathodic protection by inducing a very small electrical charge into the soil, impeding the flow of electrons to the pipe.
Add corrosion protection to tank bottoms.
Monitor groundwater.
Inspect seals, valves, and pumps and perform preventative maintenance to avoid leaks.
Ensure that liquids have impermeable primary and secondary containment.
Aboveground tanks should have secondary containment underneath tank bases and piping (or move piping above ground for daily visual inspection) to capture any releases before soil or groundwater is contaminated.
Manage filters
Replace filters only as needed.
Change filters only when needed. Use differential pressure as an indicator of needed change.
Use stainless steel, reusable filters.
Evaluate applicability of filterless centrifugal oil cleaning. (Use spinners to replace or lengthen oil filter life.)
Install lubricating oil purification equipment to reduce frequency of conventional filter replacement.
Before recycling spent filters, drain all free liquids from the cartridge or filter media into a container. Recycle free liquids back into production stream.
Reduce tank bottom sludges
Keep turbulent flow in tank to prevent sedimentation.
Add appropriate chemical agents to reduce tank bottom.
Reduce pigging wastes
Use appropriate chemicals to reduce accumulation of paraffin.
Minimize generation of blowdown.
Substitute brand of scale inhibitor or more effective brand.
Recycle back into production stream.
Operate cooling towers efficiently to minimize generation of blowdown.
