Blowdown ProtocolApr 14

Blowdown Protocol for
Pipeline Systems
April 2011
Final
Table of Contents
1. Protocol Scope and Description ..................................................................1

1.1. Protocol Overview ............................................................................................ 1
1.2. Project Description ........................................................................................... 1
1.3. Protocol Applicability ........................................................................................ 3
1.3.1. Additionality ................................................................................................ 6
1.4. Protocol Flexibility ............................................................................................ 7
1.5. Glossary of Terms ............................................................................................. 9
2. Quantification Development and Justification .......................................... 11
2.1. Identification of the SSRs in the Project Condition ........................................ 11
2.2. Identification of the Baseline.......................................................................... 17
2.3. Identification of SSRs in the Baseline Condition............................................. 18
2.4. Selection of Relevant Project and Baseline SSRs ............................................ 23
2.5. Quantification of Reductions, Removals, and Reversals of Relevant SSRs .... 27
2.5.1. Quantification Approaches ....................................................................... 27
2.5.2. Quantification Procedures ........................................................................ 28
2.6. Uncertainty ..................................................................................................... 45
2.1. Conservativeness ............................................................................................ 46
2.2. Leakage ........................................................................................................... 46
3. Data Management ................................................................................... 47
3.1. Record Keeping ............................................................................................... 47
3.2. Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) .................................................. 48
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List of Tables
Table 1.1: Eligibility Criteria Under the BC EOR .................................................................. 4

Table 2.1: Project SSRs ...................................................................................................... 13
Table 2.2: Baseline Selection and Justification ................................................................. 17
Table 2.3: Baseline SSRs .................................................................................................... 20
Table 2.4: Comparison of SSRs.......................................................................................... 24
Table 2.5: Global Warming Potential of CO2, CH4, and N2O ............................................. 28
Table 2.6: Data Monitoring/Parameter Determination Primary Procedures................ 34
Table 2.7: Data Monitoring - Contingency Procedures .................................................... 42
Table 2.8: Uncertainty Assessment .................................................................................. 45
List of Figures
Figure 2.1: Process Flow Diagram for Project Condition .................................................. 12

Figure 2.2: Process Flow Diagram for Baseline Condition ................................................ 19
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1. Protocol Scope and Description
1.1. Protocol Overview
This protocol is being developed by Blue Source Canada ULC in conjunction with
stakeholders from the natural gas industry. Various good practice guidance documents
and methodologies were reviewed, as per ISO 14064-2 requirements. This protocol is
based on elements from the following documents:
Estimation of Air Emissions from the Canadian Natural Gas Transmission, Storage
and Distribution System, Clearstone Engineering Ltd, 2007.
Draft Federal Guide for Protocol Developers, Environment Canada, August 2008
ISO 14064-2: Specification with guidance at the project level for quantification,
monitoring, and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions reductions or removal
enhancements
The GHG Protocol for Project Accounting, World Resources Institute/World
Business Council for Sustainable Development.
Pacific Carbon Trust Guidance Document, Version 1.0, Pacific Carbon Trust
Tool for the Demonstration and Assessment of Additionality, United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change, August 2008
1.2. Project Description

Blowdown is a type of planned or unplanned venting which releases pressurized natural
gas, containing mostly methane, from pipelines or facilities by venting it to the
atmosphere. Blowdowns occur during normal maintenance procedures or emergency
shutdowns. The opportunity for generating carbon offsets with this protocol arises from
the direct reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, resulting from the
implementation of systems that prevent, recapture, reduce, or redirect vented
emissions from the Primary Pressurized Gas System. Several methods, listed below,
exist to achieve this aim. Project activities will reduce methane emissions.
1) Flaring: Project proponents may combust gas via flare that would have
otherwise been vented to the atmosphere. Combustion converts methane
to carbon dioxide, a less intensive GHG. Typically, a mobile flare is
transported to site by truck and connected to the Primary Pressurized Gas
System, although it is possible that a permanent flare be used. Gas is
combusted until the pressure in the system is reduced so much that a flare
can no longer be sustained. The remainder of the gas is then vented to the
atmosphere. Usually the flare will not require supplemental fuel for a pilot
or to support combustion.
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2) Compression: Proponents may utilize a pump down or transfer compressor
to evacuate Blowdown from the Primary Pressurized Gas System into a
Secondary Pressurized Gas System (e.g. the adjoining transmission line),
safety permitting. Depending on the location, the compressor may be
powered by electricity generated on-site or imported from the grid, or by a
fossil fuel powered engine. The remainder of the gas in the Primary
Pressurized Gas System is flared and/or vented. The compressor, generator,
and/or engine may be brought to the site by truck, or may already be present
on-site.
3) Pressure Reduction: The mass of vented gas can be reduced by lowering the
pressure in the Primary Pressurized Gas System without the direct use of
compression. This can be accomplished in several ways. For example, the
Primary Pressurized Gas System can be isolated such that consumer demand
or downstream compressors are allowed to draw down pressure into a
Secondary Pressurized Gas System over time. Alternatively, the pressure can
be released by running piping to a distribution system (which has lower
pressure than a transmission system) or used as a fuel supply for a
compressor powered by natural gas. For this application, appropriate piping
and fabrication supplies must be transported to the site.
4) Volume Reduction: Stopple valves, or similar valves, can be added to the

piping of the Primary Pressurized Gas System so that its volume is reduced.
The valves must be welded while the system is pressurized. However, the
pressure of the system usually must be reduced for safety purposes. Valves
and welding supplies must be transported to the site.
5) Blowdown Avoidance: The following procedures are examples of how

Blowdown events may be avoided; this list should not be considered
exhaustive. Project proponents may have alternative methods of avoiding
Blowdown events.
Procedural optimization to avoid Blowdowns can play a major role in

minimizing the number of events required when pipelines are shut down for
repairs, maintenance or new connections. These projects may include the
expanded and effective use of maintenance planning tools to evaluate and
combine multiple repair projects into a single Blowdown, when feasible, and
the application of Blowdown decision models designed to determine when
Blowdowns are necessary and evaluate the lowest emission option.
Blowdowns may also be avoided by hot tapping, a technical procedure in

which a new connection is made to an on-stream or hot section of pipeline
in order to avoid the shutdown and Blowdown event that would be required
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with standard tapping techniques. The pressure in the section of pipeline
usually needs to be reduced for safety purposes.
These process changes will herein be referred to as (1) Flaring, (2) Compression, (3)
Pressure Reduction, (4) Volume Reduction, and (5) Blowdown Avoidance. Collectively,
these will be referred to as Blowdown Reduction. Proponents may choose to
implement one or more of these project activities.
An important consideration for Blowdown Reduction projects is the effects these

activities have on upstream and downstream compression. In order to prepare for a
Blowdown event, companies will alter the normal operating procedures of their
upstream and downstream compressors to ensure that pressure is maintained for
downstream users. During Blowdown, a transmission line or facility with only one
pipeline will stop the flow of natural gas for a period of time. Stored gas in the pipeline
downstream of the Blowdown can meet demand temporarily; however, the pressure of
natural gas will continuously decrease downstream of the Blowdown System. In a
transmission line or facility with more than one pipeline, natural gas can be transported
during the Blowdown event in the pipelines that are not offline. However, the reduced
number of working pipelines results in a higher flow rate of gas through each pipeline.
More compression is required to maintain this higher flow rate. After Blowdown,
compressors must make up for any imbalances in the transmission system to return the
system to normal operating conditions. The volume of fuel consumed for upstream and
downstream compression in the project may or may not be equivalent to the baseline,
depending on project configurations.
In addition, natural gas redirected to a Secondary Pressurized Gas System may impact
any upstream and downstream compressors that are independent of the Primary
System. The volume of fuel consumed for these secondary upstream and downstream
compressors in the project may or may not be equivalent to the baseline, depending on
project configurations.
Figure 2.1 and Figure 2.2 offer a process flow diagram for the project and baseline
condition, respectively.
1.3.Protocol Applicability
To demonstrate that a project meets the requirements under this Protocol, the project
proponent must supply sufficient evidence to demonstrate the following:
1. This protocol is applicable to Blowdown events from pipelines or facilities that

are a part of a marketable natural gas transmission and distribution system.
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These lines have stable, predictable compositions of natural gas, allowing GHG
emissions reductions to be quantified with a high degree of certainty.
2. Blowdown Reduction activities must not be required by regulation. Project
proponents should review the Flaring, Incinerating, and Venting Reduction
Guideline for British Columbia, which came into force December 31st, 2009, to
confirm project eligibility and ensure that there are no requirements to
implement the Blowdown Reduction Activity. For pipelines that are regulated by
the National Energy Board (NEB), additional NEB regulations should be
consulted.
Section 6: Pipeline Flaring, Incinerating and Venting of the Flaring, Incinerating,
and Venting Reduction Guideline for British Columbia has been appended to this
Protocol and can be found in Appendix E. However, It is the responsibility of the
project proponent to consult the most current version of the document to
ensure that project activity is unregulated.1
3. The Secondary Pressurized Gas System does not exist solely to relive gas from
the Primary System and must have a functional purpose for the redirected gas.
Examples could include the sale of gas or the use of the gas to power a
compressor (thus displacing saleable gas). The Secondary Pressurized Gas
System must not lead directly to flare or vent.
4. For a project to be eligible to generate offset credits under the British Columbia
Emissions Offset Regulation (BC EOR) from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Targets Act, the following four requirements and criteria presented in Table 1.1
must be met.
a. The project start date is after November 29th, 2007.

b. The emission reductions are reflected in British Columbias Provincial
Greenhouse Gas Inventory (i.e. the project is located in British Columbia).
c. The Proponent has clear title to the emission reduction, or it is
reasonable that clear attributes can be established.
d. The emission reductions are not attributed to electricity (energy
efficiency or electricity generation in areas integrated into the B.C. Hydro
centralized grid).
Table 1.1: Eligibility Criteria Under the BC EOR

Eligibility Provision in the
Criteria Description
Criteria Emission Offsets
1
Available at http://www.ogc.gov.bc.ca/documents/guidelines/Flaring%20Incinerating%20%20Venting
%20Reduction%20Guideline%20for%20BC%20-%20Feb-6-08.pdf
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Regulation
Within scope A project reduction (i.e. reduction of GHG Section 3(2)(o) &
emissions or enhancement of GHG removals) Definition of CO2e
must occur from sources, sinks or reservoirs and
must be reflected in BCs Greenhouse Gas
inventory. Only a reduction of one or more of the
six main types of GHGs are eligible and they must
be quantified according to their carbon dioxide
equivalent (CO2e) global warming potential
(GWP).
Real The project must result in a quantified and Section 3(2)(e) & Section
independently verified emission reduction which 3(2)(h)
results from a specific action or decision. The
project must be conducted in a manner
consistent with the requirements of the
Regulation.
Quantifiable The Proponent must describe how emissions or Section 3(2)(n) &Section
removals are to be estimated or measured and 3(2)(p)
the formulae to be used in estimating the annual
project reduction.
Additional The GHG reduction achieved through a project Section 3(2)(j) &
activity must be incremental to that which would Definition of project
have occurred in the absence of the project reduction
activity.
There are financial, technological or other Section 3(2)(k)
obstacles to carrying out the project.2
The project start date is no earlier than Section 3(2)(l)
November 29, 2007.
Verifiable Project Plans must be validated and Project Sections 3(1), 5(1) and
Reports must be verified by separate third party 8(a)
assurance providers, pursuant to the
qualifications set out under the Regulation
Counted once A GHG reduction can only be recognized as an Section 8(c)
emission offset if it has never been employed as
an offset or been used in any other GHG
reduction program.
Clear The Proponent must provide an assertion that, Section 3(2)(q) and8(b)
ownership with respect to the reduction to be achieved by
carrying out the project, it has a superior claim of
ownership to the reduction. As appropriate, the
assertion should be supported with evidence
2
See Section 5.2 below for further detail.
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1.3.1. Additionality
Project proponents are responsible for completing a barrier analysis for each project to
meet the additionality requirements under the BC EOR. These obstacles may be
financial, technological, or of another nature. The following barriers may apply to
projects within the scope of this Protocol, but should not be considered an exhaustive
list. Project Proponents should consider these barriers as well as project-specific
barriers in their final analysis. Project proponents should refer to PCTs Guidance to
Determining Project Additionality.3
Financial barriers:
Natural gas prices may not support project economics. The cost of the project
(personnel, equipment transportation, etc.) may result in a rate of return that is
below typical industry hurdle rates or payback periods.
Insufficient resources may be available to allocate funds for Blowdown
Reduction, as these projects have to compete for the same resources as projects
that offer potentially higher rates of return (i.e. the construction of new gas
processing or transmission equipment).
The implementation of Blowdown Reduction projects may have a real or
perceived increased risk of extended transmission line downtime, resulting in
increased disruptions to supply and an unacceptable loss of revenues.
Technological barriers:
Operations personnel may be unfamiliar with Blowdown Reduction techniques
and procedures, such as welding valves into a pressurized line.
Project monitoring may require adaptation of common practice.
The implementation of Blowdown Reduction projects may require downtime to
transmission lines that are longer than usual. Upstream and downstream
compressors must be adjusted so that the pressure of the system is ultimately
undisrupted for end users. This may involve cooperation among transmission
and distribution organizations.
Other barriers:
Cooperation among companies to manage pressure variance may be difficult to
arrange.
Limited access to pipelines may make equipment transportation challenging.
3
http://www.pacificcarbontrust.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=L5MmZq%2bzaZ8%3d&tabid=149&mid=69
9
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Organizational inertia or lack of interest may deter modification of the current
proven and/or operator-friendly system.
Field personnel may be unwilling to take responsibility for the new system.
These barriers, and any other project-specific barriers, should be considered when
applying the barrier analysis. The following procedure has been adapted from the Clean
Development Mechanism to perform the barrier analysis4:
1. Identify and define barriers that may prevent the implementation of the
proposed project activity. These barriers may be:
a. Financial,
b. Technical, or
c. Other (i.e. lack of common practice).
2. Establish at least one barrier which prevents the implementation of the

proposed project activity from being carried out, had the project activity not
been registered with the Pacific Carbon Trust.
3. If barriers also affect the baseline scenario, explain how it is affected less
strongly than the proposed project activity.
1.4. Protocol Flexibility

Flexibility in applying the quantification protocol is provided to project developers in the
following ways. If applicable, the proponent must indicate and justify why flexibility
provisions have been used.
1. This protocol may be used for quantification of Blowdown Reduction in systems

that are not a part of a marketable natural gas transmission and distribution
system. However, a gas analysis must be used instead of default values for
natural gas composition. This is imperative as gas compositions are highly
variable at different stages of processing. In addition, Proponents should ensure
that the gas deviation factor accurately reflects this composition.
2. Other pressurized systems may be considered under this protocol providing they
are sufficiently similar to utilize the quantification method in Section 2.5.2 and
the monitoring procedures in Table 2.6 or Table 2.7.
4
Guidelines for the barrier analysis are sourced from: Tool for the Demonstration and Assessment of
Additionality, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, August 2008.
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3. In recognition of the diversity of project configurations, project proponents may
use an alternate approach to quantify the volume of the Primary Pressurized Gas
System, provided that the chosen method is shown to be more accurate than the
method laid out in this protocol.
4. Project proponents may exclude irrelevant SSRs from quantification. For

example, in a project where gas is pumped down from the Primary Pressurized
Gas System and then vented, flaring may be excluded from quantification.
1.5. Assumptions
Several assumptions were made about the project configuration that affect the
quantification of emission reductions. If the project deviates from these assumptions,
project proponents must fully justify any changes made to the quantification methods
laid out in the protocol.
1. There is always a remainder of natural gas in the Primary Pressurized Gas System
which must be vented after Flaring, Compression, and/or Pressure Reduction has
occurred.
2. Venting of natural gas results in a complete evacuation of the system.
3. Natural gas composition does not greatly vary over the course of a year, and is
within the range of compositions presented in Appendix A.
4. Flared gas originates from a stream that is 20 MJ/m3 or greater in order to meet
Oil and Gas Commission requirements.
5. Volumes and densities are corrected to at 15C and 101.3 kPa.
Page 8 |
1.6. Glossary of Terms
Affected An SSR whose behaviour or operation is influenced by
the project activity through changes in market demand
or supply for projects or services associated with the
project.
BC EOR British Columbia Emissions Offset Regulation
Blowdown The venting of natural gas from a pressurized system

due to maintenance or emergency procedures, such as
taking a compressor offline for repair or emergency
pressure release.
Blowdown Reduction Any process change which prevents, recaptures,

reduces, or redirects vented emissions from a
pressurized system containing gas.
CO2e Carbon dioxide equivalent. A unit for comparing the

radiative forcing of a GHG to carbon dioxide.5
Controlled An SSR whose behaviour or operation is under the

direction and influence of the project proponent
through financial, policy, management or other
instruments. A controlled SSR generally relates to an
emission source at the project site.
Compression A method of Blowdown Reduction whereby gas from the

Primary Pressurized Gas System is evacuated into an
adjacent piping or storage system via pump/pull down
compression or transfer compression.
Flaring A method of Blowdown Reduction that combusts gas

from the Primary Pressurized Gas System that would
have otherwise been vented, via flare.
5
ISO 14064-2
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GHG Greenhouse gas
Primary Pressurized Gas The system which contains the total volume of gas to be
System vented during Blowdown. This includes all associated
equipment and piping.
Pressure Reduction A method of Blowdown Reduction which reduces the

pressure (and therefore the mass) of the gas to be
vented during Blowdown from the Primary Pressurized
Gas System.
Related An SSR whose behaviour or operation is not under the

reasonable control of the project developer, but is
influenced by Controlled SSRs. Related SSRs may be on-
or off-site.
Secondary Pressurized Gas The transmission system or facility that receives natural
System gas through Pressure Reduction from the Primary
Pressurized Gas System.
SSR A GHG sink, source, or reservoir. A sink is a physical unit

or process which removes GHGs from the atmosphere. A
source is a physical unit or process that releases GHGs
into the atmosphere. A reservoir is a physical unit or
component of the biosphere, geosphere, or hydrosphere
with the capability to accumulate or store GHGs
removed from the atmosphere by a sink.6
Volume Reduction A method of Blowdown Reduction where the volume of

the Primary Pressurized Gas System is reduced, reducing
the mass of gas to be vented during Blowdown.
6
ISO 14064-2
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2. Quantification Development and Justification
2.1. Identification of the SSRs in the Project Condition
The following procedure was used to identify SSRs that may be quantified, based on
guidance from Annex A of ISO 14064-2 and chapter five of The GHG Protocol for Project
Accounting.
1. Relevant processes/activities relevant to the project are arranged in a process

flow diagram. The diagram shows the stage in the project that
processes/activities occur (upstream or downstream of the project, before or
after the project).
2. Inputs, outputs, and monitoring requirements of each of the SSRs are described.
SSRs are classified as controlled, related or affected. If any SSR cannot be
classified as controlled, related, or affected, its affect on the project is not
relevant and is therefore excluded from consideration.
3. Process flow diagrams are reviewed to ensure all relevant SSRs are
appropriately defined.
Based on the process diagrams provided in Figure 2.1, the projects SSRs were described
and categorized as controlled, related or affected are provided in Table 2.1.
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Figure 2.1: Process Flow Diagram for Project Condition
P19 Manufacturing P20 Raw Materials
of Permanent and for Temporary and P21 Site
Temporary Permanent Commissioning
Commission Equipment Equipment
P8 Primary P1 Primary P9 Primary

Upstream Pressurized Downstream
Compression System Compression
P13 Natural
Gas Extraction P2 Flaring P3 Venting
and Processing
P17 Natural
Gas End Use
P14 Grid P4
Electricity Compression
Operation P15 Fuel

P15 Fuel P7 Assembly / P5 Volume
Extraction, Disassembly of Extraction,
Processing and Equipment and Reduction Processing and
Delivery Piping Delivery
P6 Pressure P18 Equipment

P16 Reduction Transportation
Transportation of Off Site
Equipment and
Piping to Site
P11 Secondary P10 Secondary P12 Secondary

Upstream On-Site Downstream
Natural Gas Supplementary Fuel

P23 Re-use /
Decommission P22 Site Disposal of Electricity
Equipment Modification
Decommissioning Temporary
Equipment Supplementary Natural Gas
Page 12 |
Table 2.1: Project SSRs
1. SSR 2. Description 3.Controlled,
Related, or Affected
SSRs During Project Commissioning
Permanent and temporary equipment, such as flares, valves, piping, and compressors, will need to be
P19 Manufacturing of fabricated off-site. This includes all of the components of the compression systems, flaring systems, and
Permanent and valves. These may be sourced as pre-made standard equipment or custom built to specification. Greenhouse Related
Temporary Equipment gas emissions would be primarily attributed to the use of fossil fuels and electricity used to power equipment
for the extraction of raw materials, processing, fabricating and assembly.
P20 Raw Materials for Equipment such as compressors, flares, valves, and piping require raw materials for fabrication. The majority
Temporary and of material is expected to be comprised of steel. Greenhouse gas emissions would be primarily attributed to Related
Permanent Equipment the use of fossil fuels to extract, process, and transport raw materials.
The site of the facility will need to be developed. This may include civil infrastructure such as water supply,
sewer, clearing, grading, building access roads, etc. There will also need to be some building of structures for
P21 Site
the facility such as storage areas, offices, and structures to enclose, support and house the equipment. Related
Commissioning
Greenhouse gas emissions would be primarily attributed to the use of fossil fuels and electricity used to
power equipment required to develop the site such as graders, backhoes, trenching machines, etc.
Upstream SSRs During Project Operation
When the Primary Pressurized Gas System is taken offline for Blowdown, the fuel consumption of the
compressors upstream are impacted. To prepare for a Blowdown, compression may be altered. Important
P8 Primary Upstream
characteristics to be tracked are the time the Primary Pressurized Gas System is offline, the compressor Related
Compression
loading, and the type of fuel consumed by the compressor. This SSR considers all upstream compressors
impacted by the Blowdown event.
The Secondary Pressurized Gas System may have other upstream compressors independent of the Primary
System (secondary compressors). The fuel consumption of secondary compressors may be impacted if
P11 Secondary
natural gas is diverted to the Secondary Pressurized Gas System. Important characteristics to be tracked are
Upstream Related
the time the Secondary Pressurized Gas System is receiving gas, the compressor loading, and the type of fuel
Compression
consumed by the compressor. This SSR considers all upstream secondary compressors impacted by the
Blowdown event.
Natural gas used throughout the project will need to be sourced and processed. This SSR will allow for the
P13 Natural Gas
calculation of the greenhouse gas emissions from the various processes involved in the extraction,
Extraction and
production, refinement, and storage of fuel. The total volumes of fuel consumed for each of the SSRs are
Processing
aggregated under this SSR. Volumes and types of fuels are the important characteristics to be tracked.
Page 13 |
Electricity may be required at the project site for compressor operation or welding and power tools used for
P14 Grid Electricity temporary equipment installation. This power is sourced from the local electricity grid. Quantity and source
Related
Usage of power are the important characteristics to be tracked as they directly relate to the quantity of greenhouse
gas emissions.
Fossil fuels used throughout the project will need to sourced and processed. This SSR will allow for the
P15 Fuel Extraction,
calculation of the greenhouse gas emissions from the various processes involved in the extraction,
Processing, and Related
production, refinement, storage, and delivery of fuel. The total volumes of fuel consumed for each of the SSRs
Delivery
are aggregated under this SSR. Volumes and types of fuels are the important characteristics to be tracked.
Equipment needs to be transported to the site by truck. This may include temporary flares and compressors,
P16 Transportation of
valves, and connective piping, as well as the welding and power tools required to install these devices. The
Equipment and Piping Controlled
total aggregated volumes and types of fuel consumed for transportation of equipment and piping needs to be
to Site
tracked.
Onsite SSRs During Project Operation
The volume of the transmission system or facility, including piping, compressors, etc., that contains natural
P1 Primary Pressurized
gas which is vented/flared in the baseline. Important characteristics to be measured are the absolute Controlled
Gas System
temperature, absolute pressure, and volume of the system.
The transmission system or facility, including piping, compressors, etc., that receives natural gas from the
P10 Secondary Primary Pressurized Gas System for the purpose of reducing flaring and/or venting from the Primary System.
Pressurized Gas The Secondary Pressurized Gas System must have a functional purpose for received gas (i.e. not lead straight Related
System to flare/vent). For example, the Secondary Pressurized Gas System may be a part of a saleable gas line that
intends to sell gas.
The combustion of natural gas from the Primary Pressurized Gas System via temporary or permanent flare.
Flares may require a pilot, or supplemental natural gas or other fossil fuel to ensure the complete combustion
P2 Flaring Controlled
of the flared gas stream. Important characteristics to be tracked are the quantities and compositions of
natural gas from the Primary Pressurized Gas System and supplemental fuel combusted by the flare.
Gas from the Primary Pressurized Gas System is released to the atmosphere via risers (vents) after
Compression, Flaring, Volume Reduction and/or Pressure Reduction. Important characteristics to be
P3 Venting Controlled
measured are the pre-venting absolute temperature, absolute pressure, and volume of the Pressurized Gas
System.
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Natural gas may be evacuated from the Primary Pressurized Gas System by pump/pull down compression or
transfer compression into the Secondary Pressurized Gas System. The compressor may be temporary or
P4 Compression Controlled
permanent. Fossil fuels or electricity will be used as its driving force. Important characteristics to be tracked
are quantity and source of fuel or energy used.
The volume of the Primary Pressurized Gas System may be reduced by adding or moving valves or other
P5 Volume Reduction process changes. This reduces the mass of gas vented/flared from the Primary System. The change in volume Controlled
of the system should be tracked.
The Primary Pressurized Gas Systems pressure may be reduced by allowing demand from the Secondary
P6 Pressure Reduction Pressurized Gas System to drain it. This reduces the mass of gas vented/flared from the Primary System. The Controlled
change in pressure and temperature of the system should be tracked.
Temporary flares and compressors will need to be assembled and disassembled on-site. Valves for volume
P7 Assembly/ reduction will be permanently welded into the Primary Pressurized Gas System. Associated piping to connect
Disassembly of temporary compressors and flares and/or for pressure reduction may be required. This piping may or may Controlled
Equipment and Piping not be permanent. GHG emissions are attributed to the operation of power and welding tools necessary to
install piping. Important characteristics to be tracked are quantity and source of fuel or energy used.
Downstream SSRs During Project Operation
When the Primary Pressurized Gas System is taken offline for Blowdown, the fuel consumption of
P9 Primary compressors downstream are impacted. To prepare for Blowdown, downstream compression is altered.
Downstream Important characteristics to be tracked are the time the Primary Pressurized Gas System is offline, the Related
Compression compressor loading, and the type of fuel consumed by the compressor. This SSR considers all downstream
compressors impacted by the Blowdown event.
The Secondary Pressurized Gas System may have other downstream compressors independent of the Primary
System (secondary compressors). The fuel consumption of secondary compressors may be impacted if
P12 Secondary
natural gas is diverted to the Secondary Pressurized Gas System. Important characteristics to be tracked are
Downstream Related
the time the Secondary Pressurized Gas System is receiving gas, the compressor loading, and the type of fuel
Compression
consumed by the compressor. This SSR considers all downstream secondary compressors impacted by the
Blowdown event.
P17 Natural Gas End Natural gas is consumed by an end user. This includes combustion in a residential or industrial setting.
Use Pressurized gas may also be used in oil and gas operations to power compressors, pneumatic controllers, or Related
engines.
Page 15 |
Equipment needs to be transported off the site by truck. This may include temporary, flares, compressors,
P18 Transportation of
and connective piping, as well as the welding and power tools required to install these devices. The total
Equipment and Piping Controlled
aggregated volumes and types of fuel consumed for transportation of equipment and piping need to be
Off Site
tracked.
Downstream SSRs During Project Decommissioning
The site at which the Blowdown event occurs will eventually need to be decommissioned. This may involve
the disassembly of the permanent equipment, demolition of on-site structures, disposal of some materials,
P22 Site
environmental restoration, planting or seeding, re-grading and transportation of materials and equipment off- Related
Decommissioning
site. Greenhouse gas emissions would be primarily attributed to the use of fossil fuels and electricity used to
power equipment required to decommission the site.
After project completion, temporary equipment will likely be re-used until it reaches the end of its useful life
P23 Re-use/Disposal of
and then decommissioned. GHG emissions are attributed to the fossil fuel inputs required for the Related
Temporary Equipment
disassembly and disposal of equipment.
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2.2. Identification of the Baseline
To identify the baseline, possible baseline scenarios for the project were established
according to the draft Federal Guide for Protocol Developers (Environment Canada,
August 2008). Scenarios were described, including key assumptions and/or required
information. The main criteria used to evaluate each scenario included data availability,
environmental integrity, accuracy, consistency with the BC EOR requirements and ease
of application. Justification for the selection of the baseline is given below.
Table 2.2: Baseline Selection and Justification

Baseline Description Static/ Accept or Reject and Justify
Options Dynamic
Reject. Historical, site-specific
Assessment of the baseline scenario
information from upstream and
based on site specific, historical data,
downstream compressors may not
Historic from previous Blowdown events in Static/
be reflective of the natural gas
Benchmark the past three years. Assumes that Dynamic
temperature, pressure, supply/
past trends will continue into the
demand dynamics, and system size
future.
in the baseline condition.
Reject. Blowdown events in oil
and gas applications are highly
Assumes the typical emissions profile variable, depending on
for the industry or sector is a temperature, pressure, and
Performance reasonable representation of the Static/ volume of Primary Pressurized Gas
Standard baseline vented emissions. Dynamic System, and maintenance
Assessment of comparable Blowdown procedures. Due to the lack of
events is necessary. standardization between facilities,
an accurate performance standard
would be difficult to establish.
Actual measurements of parameters Reject. It is unlikely that suitable
such as temperature, pressure, and control groups can be found that
Primary Pressurized Gas System operate under the same conditions
volume from a control group to and environment. In addition,
Comparison-
compare with the project. Emissions Dynamic control groups would have to be
Based
from the control group are monitored established for each project type.
throughout the project and compared Accurate representation the
to determine incremental emissions baseline condition is costly and
reductions. near-impossible.
Based on actual monitoring of the
Accept. Provides a high level of
project condition, mathematical
accuracy for all project types, as
models are used to project baseline
baseline is site-specific and
Projection- emissions of gas vented from the
Dynamic dynamic. As well, no monitoring is
Based Primary Pressurized Gas System.
required in the baseline condition,
Used where continuation of current
allowing the baseline to be
practices is unlikely, or no historic
established without historical data.
case exists.
Page 17 |
Baseline Description Static/ Accept or Reject and Justify
Options Dynamic
Where it is clear that a jurisdiction has
taken regulatory or other steps to
protect the environment that are
Normalized significantly in advance of what is
Static N/A
Baseline happening in most other jurisdictions,
a normalized baseline that accounts
for these actions beyond common
practice may be established.
Protocol Developers may have other
approaches for developing a baseline.
Static/
Other Direct measurement of project input N/A
Dynamic
and output could be considered in this
category.
The selected method of quantification for the baseline is a projection based approach.
The baseline condition is defined as the GHG emissions from the venting/flaring of the
volume of natural gas contained Primary Pressurized Gas System. It is assumed that
emissions captured, redirected, reduced, or prevented in the project condition would
have been vented/flared in the baseline condition.
GHG emissions in the baseline condition are quantified by monitoring the absolute
temperature, absolute pressure, and volume of the system before the project is
implemented to establish the amount of gas that would have been vented/flared in the
baseline condition.
This approach has been chosen as methods exist to predict the amount of gas that
would have been vented/flared with a high degree of accuracy. In addition, this
approach allows flexibility to quantify many different project configurations without
significantly altering the quantification approach.
2.3. Identification of SSRs in the Baseline Condition
Baseline SSRs were identified using the procedure previously described in Section 2.1.
The baseline condition is defined, including the relevant SSRs and processes, as shown in
Figure 2.2. Table 2.3 provides descriptions of each SSR.
Page 18 |
Figure 2.2: Process Flow Diagram for Baseline Condition
B19 Manufacturing B20 Raw Materials
of Permanent and for Temporary and B21 Site
B8 Primary B1 Primary B9 Primary

B13 Natural
B2 B3
Gas Extraction
Flaring Venting
and Processing
B17 Natural
Gas End Use
Operation
P15 Fuel P7 Assembly / P15 Fuel
Processing and Equipment and Processing and
P16 P18 Equipment

Transportation of
Equipment and
Transportation
Piping to Site Off Site
B11 Secondary B10 Secondary B12 Secondary


B23 Re-use /
Decommission B22 Site Disposal of Electricity
Equipment Modification
Page 19 |
Table 2.3: Baseline SSRs
1. SS 2. Description 3.Controlled,
Upstream SSRs During Baseline Commissioning
Permanent and temporary equipment, such as flares, valves, piping, and compressors, will need to be fabricated
B19 Manufacturing
off-site. This includes all of the components of the compression systems, flaring systems, and valves. These may
of Permanent and
be sourced as pre-made standard equipment or custom built to specification. Greenhouse gas emissions would Related
Temporary
be primarily attributed to the use of fossil fuels and electricity used to power equipment for the extraction of raw
Equipment
materials, processing, fabricating and assembly.
B20 Raw Materials
Equipment such as compressors, flares, valves, and piping require raw materials for fabrication. The majority of
for Temporary and
material is expected to be comprised of steel. Greenhouse gas emissions would be primarily attributed to the Related
Permanent
use of fossil fuels to extract, process, and transport raw materials.
Equipment
The site of the facility will need to be developed. This may include civil infrastructure such as water supply,
sewer, clearing, grading, building access roads, etc. There will also need to be some building of structures for the
B21 Site
facility such as storage areas, offices, and structures to enclose, support and house the equipment. Greenhouse Related
Commissioning
gas emissions would be primarily attributed to the use of fossil fuels and electricity used to power equipment
required to develop the site such as graders, backhoes, trenching machines, etc.
Upstream SSRs During Baseline Operation
When the Primary Pressurized Gas System is taken offline for Blowdown, the fuel consumption of the
B8 Primary compressors upstream are impacted. To prepare for a Blowdown, compression may be altered. Important
Upstream characteristics to be tracked are the time the Primary Pressurized Gas System is offline, the compressor loading, Related
Compression and the type of fuel consumed by the compressor. This SSR considers all upstream compressors impacted by the
Blowdown event.
The Secondary Pressurized Gas System may have other upstream compressors independent of the Primary
B11 Secondary System (secondary compressors). The fuel consumption of secondary compressors may be impacted if natural
Upstream gas is diverted to the Secondary Pressurized Gas System. Important characteristics to be tracked are the time the Related
Compression Secondary Pressurized Gas System is receiving gas, the compressor loading, and the type of fuel consumed by the
compressor. This SSR considers all upstream secondary compressors impacted by the Blowdown event.
Page 20 |
Natural gas used throughout the project will need to be sourced and processed. This SSR will allow for the
B13 Natural Gas
calculation of the greenhouse gas emissions from the various processes involved in the extraction, production,
Extraction and
refinement, and storage of fuel. The total volumes of fuel consumed for each of the SSRs are aggregated under
Processing
this SSR. Volumes and types of fuels are the important characteristics to be tracked.
B15 Fuel Fossil fuels used throughout the project will need to sourced and processed. This SSR will allow for the calculation
Extraction, of the greenhouse gas emissions from the various processes involved in the extraction, production, refinement,
Related
Processing, and storage, and delivery of fuel. The total volumes of fuel consumed for each of the SSRs are aggregated under this
Delivery SSR. Volumes and types of fuels are the important characteristics to be tracked.
B16 Transportation The flare and associated equipment may need to be transported to the site by truck. This may include valves and
of Equipment and connective piping, as well as the welding and power tools required to install these devices. The total aggregated
Piping to Site volumes and types of fuel consumed for transportation of equipment and piping need to be tracked.
Onsite SSRs During Baseline Operation
The volume of the natural gas in the transmission system or facility, including piping, compressors, etc., that is
B1 Primary
vented to the atmosphere during normal maintenance procedures. No changes for the project have been made
Pressurized Gas Controlled
to the system. Important characteristics to be measured are the pre-project temperature, pressure, and volume
System
of the system.
The transmission system or facility, including piping, compressors, etc., that will receive natural gas from the
B10 Secondary Primary Pressurized Gas System in the project condition for the purpose of reducing flaring and/or venting from
Pressurized Gas the Primary System. No changes for the project have yet been made to the system. The Secondary Pressurized Related
System Gas System must have a functional purpose for received gas (i.e. not lead straight to flare/vent). For example,
the Secondary Pressurized Gas System may be a part of a saleable gas line that intends to sell gas.
The combustion of natural gas from the Primary Pressurized Gas System via temporary or permanent flare.
Flares may require a pilot, or supplemental natural gas or other fossil fuel to ensure the complete combustion of
B2 Flaring Controlled
the flared gas stream. Important characteristics to be tracked are the quantities and compositions of natural gas
from the Primary Pressurized Gas System and supplemental fuel combusted by the flare.
Gas from the Primary Pressurized Gas System is released to the atmosphere via risers (vents) during normal
B3 Venting maintenance operations. Important characteristics to be measured are the pre-project temperature, pressure, Controlled
and volume of the system.
Temporary flares and compressors will need to be assembled and disassembled on-site. Associated piping to
B7 Assembly/ connect temporary compressors and flares may be required. This piping may or may not be permanent. GHG
Disassembly of emissions are attributed to the operation of power and welding tools necessary to install piping. Important
characteristics to be tracked are quantity and source of fuel or energy used. Controlled
Equipment and
Piping
Page 21 |
Downstream SSRs During Project Operation
When the Primary Pressurized Gas System is taken offline for Blowdown, the fuel consumption of
compressors downstream are impacted. To prepare for Blowdown, downstream compression is altered.
B9 Primary Downstream
Important characteristics to be tracked are the time the Primary Pressurized Gas System is offline, the Related
Compression
compressor loading, and the type of fuel consumed by the compressor. This SSR considers all downstream
compressors impacted by the Blowdown event.
The Secondary Pressurized Gas System may have other downstream compressors independent of the
Primary System (secondary compressors). The fuel consumption of secondary compressors is not
B12 Secondary
impacted by a Blowdown event on the Primary System Important characteristics to be tracked are the
Downstream Related
time the Secondary Pressurized Gas System is receiving gas, the compressor loading, and the type of fuel
Compression
consumed by the compressor. This SSR considers all downstream secondary compressors impacted by the
Blowdown event in the project condition.
Natural gas is consumed by an end user. This includes combustion in a residential or industrial setting.
B17 Natural Gas End Use Pressurized gas may also be used in oil and gas operations to power compressors, pneumatic controllers, Related
or engines.
Equipment needs to be transported off the site by truck. This may include temporary, flares, compressors,
P18 Equipment and connective piping, as well as the welding and power tools required to install these devices. The total
Controlled
Transportation Off-Site aggregated volumes and types of fuel consumed for transportation of equipment and piping need to be
tracked.
Downstream SSRs After Project Operation
B22 Site The site at which the Blowdown event occurs will eventually need to be decommissioned. This may
Decommissioning involve the disassembly of the permanent equipment, demolition of on-site structures, disposal of some
materials, environmental restoration, planting or seeding, re-grading and transportation of materials and Related
equipment off-site. Greenhouse gas emissions would be primarily attributed to the use of fossil fuels and
electricity used to power equipment required to decommission the site.
After project completion, temporary equipment will likely be re-used until it reaches the end of its useful
P23 Re-use/Disposal of
life and then decommissioned. GHG emissions are attributed to the fossil fuel inputs required for the Related
Temporary Equipment
disassembly and disposal of equipment.
Page 22 |
2.4. Selection of Relevant Project and Baseline SSRs
Each of the SSRs from the project and baseline condition were compared and evaluated
in Table 2.4 as to their relevancy in quantification of GHG emissions and reductions
using the Pacific Carbon Trust Guidance Document. The following procedure was used
to exclude SSRs from consideration.
1. SSRs which do not change from the baseline to project scenario are excluded.
2. SSRs that have greater emission in the baseline than in the project condition
may be conservatively excluded.
3. SSRs upstream and downstream of the project site which can only occur once
(i.e. decommissioning of site) are excluded.
Page 23 |
Table 2.4: Comparison of SSRs
4. Include or
2. Baseline 3. Project
1. Identified SSR Exclude from 5. Justification for Exclusion
(C, R, A) (C, R, A)
Quantification
SSRs During Project Commissioning
P19 Manufacturing of Permanent
N/A Related Excluded One-time-only emission source. Emissions from fabrication of equipment
and Temporary Equipment
are not material given the duration of equipment life and the expected
B19 Manufacturing of Permanent
Related N/A Excluded size of the project.
and Temporary Equipment
P20 Raw Materials for Temporary
N/A Related Excluded One-time-only emission source. Emissions from raw materials produced
and Permanent Equipment
to fabricate equipment are not material given the duration of equipment
B20 Raw Materials for Temporary
Related N/A Excluded life and the expected size of the project.
and Permanent Equipment
P21 Development of Site N/A Related Excluded One-time-only emission source. Emissions from site commissioning are
not material given the lifespan of the site, duration of the project, and the
B21Development of Site Related N/A Excluded expected size of the project.
Upstream SSRs During Project Operation
P8 Primary Upstream Compression N/A Related Included N/A
B8 Primary Upstream Compression Related N/A Included N/A
P11 Secondary Upstream
N/A Related Included N/A
Compression
B11 Primary Upstream
Related N/A Included N/A
Compression
P13 Natural Gas Extraction and Natural gas is conserved by projects which reduce Blowdown. Therefore,
N/A Related Excluded
Processing more emissions from natural gas processing can be attributed to the
B13 Natural Gas Extraction and baseline condition than the project condition. The exclusion of this SSR is
Related N/A Excluded
Processing conservative.
P14 Grid Electricity B.C.s grid is considered carbon neutral by the PCT and therefore no GHG
emissions can be attributed to its use.
P15 Fuel Extraction, Processing
and Delivery Emissions associated with fuel extraction, processing and delivery are
B15 Fuel Extraction, Processing, negligible and have therefore been excluded from quantification.
Related N/A Excluded
and Delivery
Page 24 |
Emissions from transportation of equipment are typically not material for
the project, even over long distances. (For example, a semi truck travelling
7
3000 km would emit 3.3 t CO2e.) Project proponents may exclude this SSR
P16 Transportation of Equipment
N/A Controlled Included if it can be shown that emissions are <5% of project GHG emissions. Note
to Site
that the transportation of a temporary flare may be functionally
equivalent in the project and baseline scenario, and thus may be excluded
in some project configurations.
B16 Transportation of Equipment Transportation of equipment in the baseline condition is expected to be
Controlled N/A Excluded
to Site functionally equivalent to the project condition.
Onsite SSRs
P1 Primary Pressurized Gas System N/A Controlled Excluded
No emissions can be attributed to the Primary Pressurized Gas System.
B1Primary Pressurized Gas System Controlled N/A Excluded
P2 Flaring N/A Controlled Included N/A
B2 Flaring Controlled N/A Included N/A
P3 Venting N/A Controlled Included N/A
B3 Venting Controlled N/A Included N/A
P4 Compression N/A Controlled Included N/A
P5 Volume Reduction N/A Controlled Excluded Captured under P7 Assembly/Disassembly of Equipment and Piping
P6 Pressure Reduction N/A Controlled Excluded Captured under P7 Assembly/Disassembly of Equipment and Piping
P7 Assembly/ Disassembly of Emissions associated with the assembly and disassembly of equipment and
N/A Controlled Excluded
Equipment and Piping piping are negligible.
Downstream SSRs During Operation
P9 Primary Downstream
Compression
B9 Primary Downstream
Compression
P12 Secondary Downstream
Compression
7
Fuel consumption = 39.5L diesel/100km (Fuel Efficiency Benchmarking in Canadas Trucking Industry, Environment Canada,
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/ business/documents/case-studies/fuel-effic-benchm.cfm?attr=16)
0.395L/km 3000 km = 1185 L

1185 L (2.663 kg CO2/L + 0. 000 133 kg CH4/L 21kg CO2e/kg CH4 + 0.000 4 kg N2O/L 310 CO2e/kg N2O)/1000 = 3.3 t CO2e
Page 25 |
B12 Secondary Downstream
Compression
P17 Natural Gas End Use N/A Related Excluded This SSR can be conservatively excluded. Conserved fuel gas will displace
B17 Natural Gas End Use Related N/A Excluded fuel gas combusted by end user or used in oil and gas applications.
P18 Equipment Transportation
N/A Related Excluded Accounted for under P16 Equipment Transportation On-Site.
Off-Site
B18 Equipment Transportation
Related N/A Excluded Accounted for under B16 Equipment Transportation On-Site.
Off-Site
Downstream SSRs After Operation
P22 Site Decommissioning Related N/A Excluded One-time-only emission source. Emissions from the decommissioning of
B22 Site Decommissioning N/A Related Excluded the site are functionally equivalent in the baseline and project condition.
P23 Re-use/Disposal of Temporary
Related N/A Excluded Emissions from re-use/disposal of temporary equipment are negligible
Equipment
given the lifespan of the site, duration of the project, and the expected
B23 Re-use/Disposal of Temporary
N/A Related Excluded size of the project.
Equipment
Page 26 |
2.5. Quantification of Reductions, Removals, and Reversals of Relevant SSRs
2.5.1. Quantification Approaches
Quantification of the reductions, removals and reversals of relevant SSRs for each of the
greenhouse gases will be completed using the methodologies outlined below. These
calculation methodologies serve to complete the following three equations for
calculating the emission reductions from the comparison of the baseline and project
conditions.
Emission Reduction = Emissions Baseline Emissions Project
Emissions Baseline = B2 + B3 + B8 + B9 +B11 + B12
Emissions Project = P2 + P3 + P4 + P8 + P9 +P11 + P12
Where:
Emissions Baseline = sum of the emissions under the baseline condition.

B2 = Emissions under SSR B2 Flaring
B3 = Emissions under SSR B3 Venting
B8 = Emissions under SSR B8 Primary Upstream Compression
B9 = Emissions under SSR B9 Primary Downstream Compression
B11 = Emissions under SSR B11 Secondary Upstream Compression
B12 = Emissions under SSR B12 Secondary Upstream Compression
Emissions Project = sum of the emissions under the project condition.

P2 = Emissions under SSR P2 Flaring
P3 = Emissions under SSR P3 Venting
P4 = Emissions under SSR P4 Compression
P8 = Emissions under SSR P8 Primary Upstream Compression
P9 = Emissions under SSR P9 Primary Downstream Compression
P11= Emissions under SSR P11 Secondary Upstream Compression
P12 = Emissions under SSR P12 Secondary Downstream Compression
Page 27 |
As previously stated, project proponents are given flexibility to exclude SSRs which are
not applicable to project configurations. Appendix F gives describes three example
project configurations with illustrative process flow diagrams that show which SSRs have
been excluded. These can be used as a guideline for project proponents.
2.5.2. Quantification Procedures
The following calculates GHG emission reductions in kilograms of carbon dioxide,

methane, and nitrous oxide. To convert to units of kilograms CO 2e, multiply the GHG by
its respective global warming potential (GWP) shown in the table below.
Table 2.5: Global Warming Potential of CO2, CH4, and N2O

GHG GWP
CO2 1
CH4 21
N2O 310
P2 Flaring
Emissions from flaring are determined by Equation 1 or Equation 2. Supplemental fuel
may be required to sustain the flare. Equation 1 is used for supplemental fuel of
unknown composition, and Equation 2 is used for supplemental fuel of a known
composition.
P2 = Vol.Fuels EFCO2 i ; Vol.Fuels EF CH4 i ; Vol.Fuels EF N2O i ;

Vol.Gasf EFCO2 i ; Vol.Gasf [CH4] (1-DE) CH4 ; Vol.Gasf EF N2O
Equation 1
P2 = Vol.Fuels EFCO2 i ; Vol.Fuels [CH4] (1-DE) CH4; Vol.Fuels EF N2O i ;

Vol.Gasf EFCO2 i ; Vol.Gasf [CH4] (1-DE) CH4; Vol.Gasf EF N2O
Equation 2
Where
P2 = Emissions from flaring
Vol.Fuels = Volume of supplemental fuel used for flare (m3)
Vol.Gasf = Volume of gas from the Primary Pressurized Gas System flared at STP.
This is the difference between the initial volume of gas contained in the
Primary Pressurized Gas System prior flaring and the final volume of gas
after flaring. These volumes of gas can be calculated with Equation 4,
using measured data for PSyst and Tsyst from just prior to and after flaring.
Alternatively, the volume of gas flared may be directly monitored. (m3)
EF CO2i = carbon dioxide emission factor for combustion of fuel i (kg CO2e/m3 fuel)
EF CH4 i = methane factor for combustion of fuel i (kg CO2e/m3 fuel)
EF N2O i = nitrous oxide emission factor for combustion of fuel i (kg CO2e/m3 fuel)
Page 28 |
[CH4] = concentration of methane in gas expressed as volume ratio
(dimensionless)
DE = destruction efficiency of flare (%)
CH4 = density of methane at STP (kg/m3)
P3 Venting
Venting in the project condition is quantified using Equation 3, Equation 4, and Equation
5 below. Project condition data should be used for PSyst, VSyst, Tsyst, and Z.
(Measurements taken just before venting should be used for the parameters PSyst and
Tsyst.)
Note that Volume Reduction and Pressure Reduction are quantified under this SSR. It is
assumed that some venting must always take place.
Equation 3
Where
P3 = emissions from venting
Vol. Gas = volume of gas contained in the system prior to venting (m3)
[CO2] = concentration of carbon dioxide in gas expressed as volume ratio
(dimensionless)
[CH4] = concentration of methane in gas expressed as volume ratio
(dimensionless)
CO2 = density of carbon dioxide at STP
CH4 = density of methane at STP
The volume of gas in the Primary Pressurized Gas System can be determined by the
following equation. For a derivation of this equation, see Appendix B.
Equation 4
Where,
Vol.Gas = Volume of gas contained in the system referenced at STP (m3)
VSyst = Volume of the Primary Pressurized Gas System (m3)
PSyst = Absolute pressure (gauge + atmospheric) of the Primary Pressurized Gas
System just before venting (kPa)
TSyst = Absolute temperature of gas in Primary Pressurized Gas System just before
venting (K)
Z = Gas deviation factor (unitless). For more details see Appendix A.
Page 29 |
The volume of the system is determined by the following equation. Valves, bends,
fittings, etc, may be ignored if they comprise <5% of the total volume of the Primary
Pressurized Gas System. As previously stated, an alternate method may be used to
calculate volume if this approach is shown to be less accurate.
Equation 5
Where,
3.14
di = internal diameter of pipe i
li = length of pipe i
P4 Compression
Emissions from the operation of a pump/pull down or transfer compressor are

determined by Equation 6. Combustion of these fuels may be direct or indirect (i.e.
dedicated on-site generation).
P4 = Vol.Fuelc EF CO2 i ; Vol.Fuelc EF CH4 i ; Vol.Fuelc EF N2O i

Equation 6
Where
P4 = Emissions from compression
Vol. Fuelc = Volume of fuel used for compression (m3)
EF CO2 = carbon dioxide emission factor for combustion of fuel (kg CO2e/m3 fuel)
EF N2O = nitrous oxide emission factor for combustion of fuel (kg CO2e/m3 fuel)
EF CH4 = methane emission factor for combustion of fuel (kg CO2e/m3 fuel)
Equation 7 is used when electricity is consumed by the compressor. If grid electricity is

consumed, emissions from this activity are assumed to be 0. If electricity is generated
on-site and the amount of fossil fuel used to generate electricity for compression cannot
be tracked, a site-specific emission factor can be determined using the method outlined
in Appendix C.
P4 = kWh EF Elec. CO2e

Equation 7
Where
P4 = Emissions from compression
kWh = Electricity consumed by compressor (kWh)
EFElec. CO2e = Emission factor for electricity consumption (kg CO2e/kWh)
Page 30 |
P8, B8, & P9, B9 Upstream and Downstream Primary Compression; P11, B11 & P12
B12 Upstream and Downstream Secondary Compression
The project configuration will influence how many upstream and/or downstream
compressor stations are impacted by the Blowdown reduction project and which, if any,
compressor stations experience higher than normal fuel consumption during the
Blowdown reduction project, as compared to the baseline of a conventional Blowdown
event. Therefore, it is the responsibility of project proponents to identify those
compressor stations that are impacted by the Blowdown reduction project and to
quantify any changes in fuel consumption.
Project proponents should compare the compressor fuel consumption prior to, during
and immediately following the Blowdown event using a computer-aided simulation. This
would involve modeling at least one scenario to estimate fuel consumption during the
Blowdown reduction project and another scenario to estimate fuel consumption during
a conventional Blowdown event. The simulation should consider the pipeline
configuration, length of pipeline taken out of service during the Blowdown reduction
project, natural gas supply/demand dynamics, natural gas flow rate, pressure, and
temperature, and the duration of the Blowdown event. The model should be conducted
over a sufficient period of time such that the system reaches steady state. Proponents
should document all assumptions and justify the conservativeness of the model, which
may require several simulations to be run.
Methods other than a computer simulation may be used to determine compressor fuel
usage if they are sufficiently robust and provide verifiable data that is demonstrated to
be conservative. Project Proponents may also generalize the results of simulations from
previous efforts to model the upstream and downstream compressor fuel consumption
during Blowdown reduction projects; however, it must be demonstrated that the
project configurations are sufficiently similar and that the estimation methods are
overly conservative to mitigate any uncertainties with using the results from a
generalized approach. The use of a generalized approach would only be acceptable if
the magnitude of the calculated emissions from upstream and downstream
compression is less than 10% of the total baseline emissions.
Once the project and baseline compressor fuel usage has been determined, the
following formula can be used to quantify related GHG emissions.
P8, P9, B8, B9, P11, P12, B11, B12 = (Vol.FuelPUD Vol.FuelBUD) EF CO2 i ; (Vol.FuelPUD
Vol.FuelBUD) EF CH4 i ; (Vol.FuelPUD Vol.FuelBUD) EF N2O i
Equation 8
Where
P8, P9, B8, B9, P11, P12, B11, B12 = Emissions from primary and secondary
upstream and downstream compression
Page 31 |
Vol.FuelPUD = Volume of fuel consumed in the project condition by primary and
secondary upstream and downstream compression while the Primary
Pressurized Gas System is offline for the duration of the Blowdown
reduction project (as modeled)
Vol.FuelBUD = Volume of fuel consumed in the baseline condition by primary and
secondary upstream and downstream compression while the Primary
Pressurized Gas System is offline for the duration of a conventional
Blowdown event (as modeled)
EF CO2 i = carbon dioxide emission factor for combustion of fuel (kg CO2e/m3 fuel)
EF N2O i = nitrous oxide emission factor for combustion of fuel (kg CO2e/m3 fuel)
EF CH4 i = methane emission factor for combustion of fuel (kg CO2e/m3 fuel)
P16 Transportation of Equipment to Site

P16 = Vol.Fuel EF CO2 i ; Vol.Fuel EF CH4 i ; Vol.Fuel EF N2O i
Equation 9
Where
P 16 = Emissions from transportation of equipment to site
Vol.FuelT = Volume of fuel consumed for transportation of equipment to site
EF CO2 i = carbon dioxide emission factor for combustion of fuel (kg CO2e/m3 fuel)
EF N2O i = nitrous oxide emission factor for combustion of fuel (kg CO2e/m3 fuel)
EF CH4 i = methane emission factor for combustion of fuel (kg CO2e/m3 fuel)
B2 Flaring
Regulatory requirements for flaring are determined by the economic analysis in Section
2.8 of the Guideline as outlined in Appendix E. The results of this analysis provide the
volume of natural gas that would have been flared in the baseline.
Equation 1 or Equation 2 should be used to calculate GHG emissions from flared natural
gas in the baseline. For this SSR, note that:
Vol.Gasf = Volume of gas from the Primary Pressurized Gas System flared at STP (m 3)
This is the difference between the initial volume of gas contained in the Primary
Pressurized Gas System prior to flaring and the final volume of gas after flaring.
These volumes of gas can be calculated with Equation 4. The initial volume of
gas is calculated with measured data for PSyst and Tsyst taken prior to any
Blowdown reduction event. The final volume is calculated with the same Tsyst as
previously used and Psyst at atmospheric pressure (101.3 kPa). This forms a
conservative estimate, as it is assumed that the most possible gas is flared.
B3 Venting
Page 32 |
Regulatory requirements for flaring should be determined by the economic analysis in
Section 2.8 of the Guideline as outlined in Appendix E. The results of this analysis
provide the volume of natural gas that would have been vented in the baseline.
If flaring is not included in the baseline, the volume of gas vented should be calculated
with measured data for PSyst and Tsyst taken prior to any Blowdown reduction event. If
flaring is included in the baseline, the volume of gas vented should be calculated using
measured data for Tsyst taken prior to any Blowdown reduction event and P syst at
atmospheric pressure (101.3 kPa).
Page 33 |
Table 2.6 and Table 2.7 below give primary and contingent procedures for data monitoring and estimation, respectively.
Table 2.6: Data Monitoring/Parameter Determination Primary Procedures

1.
2. 5.Measured/ 8. Justify measurement or
Parameter 3. Description 4. Unit 6. Method 7. Frequency
SSR Estimated estimation and frequency
/Variable
Direct measurement of gas
composition provides a high
P2, Concentration of
degree of accuracy.
P3, methane in gas
[CH4] vol/vol Measured Direct measurement Annually Composition of natural gas
B2, expressed as
in transmission line must
B3 volume ratio
meet standards and is
therefore stable.
Direct measurement of gas
composition provides a high
B2, Concentration of
degree of accuracy.
P3, carbon dioxide in
[CO2] vol/vol Measured Direct measurement Annually Composition of natural gas
P2, gas expressed as
in transmission line must
P3 volume ratio
meet standards and is
therefore stable.
Inner diameter of
Piping tables give an
B3, pipe i in Primary
di m Estimated From piping tables Once accurate estimation in a
P3 Pressurized Gas
practical manner.
System
Pre-project (and post-volume Up-to-date as-built
Length of pipe i in reduction, where applicable) engineering drawings
B3, Primary estimation based on as-built provide an accurate account
li m Estimated Once
P3 Pressurized Gas engineering diagrams or aerial of length. Aerial maps are
System maps, taking topography into also accurate when
account. topography is included.
Page 34 |
1.
/Variable
Manufacturers
specifications provide an
P2, Destruction From manufacturers Once per flare
DE % Estimated accurate estimate, which
B2 efficiency of flare specifications stack
should remain constant for
the flare stack lifetime.
The following equation is used to
calculate the carbon dioxide
emission factor from the gas
composition analysis of natural
gas.
EF CO2 i = [(a + 2b + 3c + 4d + 5e +
P2,
6f + 7g + h) x 44.01] / 23.64 The calculation of the
P8,
emission factor was sourced
P9,
The variables a through e are from Canadian Association
P11,
Carbon dioxide the mole fractions of each of Petroleum Producers
P12, kg
emission factor hydrocarbon compound (CAPP) document
EF CO2 i P16, CO2e / Estimated Annually
for combustion of contained in the fuel gas. The a Calculating Greenhouse
B2, m3 fuel
fuel type i would correspond to the mole Gas Emissions (April 2003).
B8,
fraction of methane; b would This emission factor is
B9,
correspond to the mole fraction accurate and project-
B11,
of ethane etc. The number in specific.
B12
front of each letter corresponds
to the number of carbon atoms
per molecule (i.e. one carbon
atom for methane and two for
ethane). The variable h is the
mole fraction of CO2 in the gas
stream
Page 35 |
1.
/Variable
P2,
P8,
P9,
P11, Reference values adjusted
Methane
P12, kg annually as part of
emission factor From Environment Canada
EF CH4 i P16, CO2e / Estimated Annually Environment Canada
for combustion of reference documents
B2, m3 fuel reporting on Canadas
fuel type i
B8, emissions inventory.
B9,
B11,
B12
This approximation can
provide a reasonable
Based on the type of fuel method of estimating the
Electricity kg
consumed and the fuels Once per GHGs emitted by the
EF Elec. CO2e P4 consumed by CO2e / Estimated
efficiency; see Appendix C for generator generator when the volume
compressor kWh
details. of fuel consumed by the
generator cannot be
disaggregated or tracked.
Page 36 |
1.
/Variable
P2,
P4,
P8,
P9,
P16 Reference values adjusted
Carbon dioxide
P11, kg annually as part of
emission factor From Environment Canada
EF N2O i P12, CO2e / Estimated Annually Environment Canada
for combustion of reference documents
P16, m3 fuel reporting on Canadas
fuel type i
B8,
B9,
B11,
B12
Quantity of
Continuous Provides a high level of
kWh P4 electricity used kWh Measured Direct metering
metering accuracy and assurance.
for compressor
P2,
P3, Density of 0.679 kg/m3 at 101.3 kPa and
CH4 kg/m3 Constant - -
B2, methane at STP 15C
B3
P2,
P3, Density of carbon
CO2 kg/m3 Constant 1.86 kg/m3 at 101.3 kPa and 15C - -
B2, dioxide and STP
B3
Page 37 |
1.
/Variable
The measurement taken
prior to the Blowdown
Once
Reduction event will be used
immediately
to calculate the volume of
prior to
gas in the baseline.
Blowdown
Reduction
Measurements taken just
event, and
after compression, flaring,
once after
and/or pressure reduction
compression,
will be used to calculate the
Direct metering in project pressure
volume of natural gas
Pressure of gas in condition. reduction,
conserved/combusted/
P3, the Primary kPa, and/or flaring.
PSyst Measured vented.
B3 Pressurized Gas atm May be estimated at (Not required
System atmospheric pressure just after for flaring if
Simultaneous pressure and
flaring in the baseline condition. volume of gas
temperature measurements
flared is
will ensure accuracy in the
directly
quantification of volume of
monitored.)
gas.
Measurements
must be taken
By estimating atmospheric
concurrently
pressure after flaring, it is
with pressure
conservatively assumed that
measurement.
as much gas as possible was
flared.
Page 38 |
1.
/Variable
Once The measurement taken
immediately prior to the Blowdown
prior to Reduction event will be used
Blowdown to calculate the volume of
Reduction gas in the baseline.
event, and
once after Measurements taken just
compression, after compression, flaring,
flaring, and/or and/or pressure reduction
Temperature of pressure will be used to calculate the
Direct metering of temperature.
P3, gas in Primary reduction. volume of natural gas
TSyst K Measured Error of up to 10C is
B3 Pressurized Gas (Not required conserved/combusted/
permissible.
System for flaring if vented.
volume of gas
flared is Simultaneous pressure and
directly temperature measurements
monitored.) will ensure accuracy in the
Measurements quantification of volume of
must be taken gas. Error of up to 10C
concurrently does not materially affect
with pressure quantification of emissions
measurement. (see Appendix D).
Continuous Direct metering provides a
Volume of fuel metering; high level of accuracy.
consumed to reconciliation Reconciliation after each
Vol.FuelC P4 m3 Measured Direct metering or reconciliation
power after each Blowdown event gives a
compressor Blowdown reasonable estimate of fuel
event consumed.
Page 39 |
1.
/Variable
The fuel consumption rate in the
baseline condition is assumed to
Volume of fuel be equal to the average project The fuel consumption rate in
P8,
consumed in the fuel consumption rate. The time the project condition is an
P9,
baseline condition of Blowdown in the baseline accurate estimation of the
P11,
by upstream and condition should be determined Once per fuel consumption rate in the
P12, 3
Vol.FuelBUD downstream m Estimated from historical records of similar Blowdown baseline condition.
B8,
compression Blowdown events (i.e. similar event Historical records
B9,
while the Primary pressure, supply, and demand). reasonably predict the
B11,
Pressurized Gas estimated time of the
B12
System is offline. Vol.FuelBUD = (fuel consumption baseline Blowdown event.
rate) (time of Blowdown in
baseline condition)
Volume of fuel
P8,
consumed in the
P9, Continuous Direct metering provides a
project condition
P11, metering or high level of accuracy.
by upstream and
P12, reconciliation Reconciliation after each
Vol. FuelPUD downstream m3 Measured Direct metering
B8, after each Blowdown event gives a
compression
B9, Blowdown reasonable estimate of fuel
while the Primary
B11, event. consumed.
Pressurized Gas
B12
System is offline.
Continuous Direct metering provides a
Volume of metering; high level of accuracy.
P2, supplemental fuel reconciliation Reconciliation after each
Vol. Fuels m3 Measured Direct metering
B2 consumed for after each Blowdown event gives a
flare Blowdown reasonable estimate of fuel
event consumed.
Page 40 |
1.
/Variable
Reconcilation of volumes
Volumes or
through purchases, or estimated Frequency of reconciliation
Volume of fuel distance
3 from vehicle fuel consumption of once per project ensures
Vol.FuelT P16 used to transport m Estimated travelled
rate (m3/km) and distance that volumes or distances
equipment reconciled
travelled through mapping or via are estimated accurately.
once.
odometer.
Volume of gas at
STP contained in Equation 3 provides a
P3,
Vol. Gas Primary m3 Estimated Estimated based on Equation 3 - conservative estimate of
B3
Pressurized Gas volume of gas released.
System
The difference between the
volume of gas contained in the Estimated:
Volume of gas at Equation 4 provides an
Primary Pressurized Gas System N/A
STP flared from Estimated or accurate estimate of the
P2, prior to and after flaring, as
Vol.Gasf the Primary m3 directly volume of gas flared. Direct
B2 calculated from Equation 4. Direct
Pressurized Gas monitored monitoring also provides a
Alternatively, the volume of gas monitoring:
System high level of accuracy.
flared may be directly monitored continuous
in the project condition.
Volume of
Primary Twice: pre- Gives an accurate estimation
B3,
VSyst Pressurized Gas m3 Estimated Estimated based on Equation 5 and post- of volume of Primary
P3
System piping project Pressurized Gas System.
(internal)
Page 41 |
1.
/Variable
Accounts for any difference
between pre- and post-
project changes in
Twice: pre-
B3, Gas deviation temperature or pressure.
Z none Estimated See Appendix A for details. and post-
P3, factor An accurate estimation can
project
be determined with pre-
calculated values in
Appendix A.
Table 2.7: Data Monitoring - Contingency Procedures

1.
2. 5. Measured 8. Justify measurement or
SSR / Estimated estimation and frequency
/Variable
P2, Estimation from company Composition of natural gas
P3, Percent by volume averages, industry in transmission line is stable
[ CH4] % volume Estimated Annually
B2, of methane in gas standards, or Environment and therefore can be
B3 Canada. estimated with accuracy.
B2, Estimation from company Composition of natural gas
Percent by volume
P3, averages, industry in transmission line is stable
[CO2] of carbon dioxide in % volume Estimated Annually
P2, standards, or Environment and therefore can be
gas
P3 Canada. estimated with accuracy.
Measurement should give a
Inner diameter of
reasonable approximation
B3, pipe in Primary
di m Measured With calliper or similar Once where manufacturers
P3 Pressurized Gas
specifications are not
System
available.
Page 42 |
1.
/Variable
Based on studies conducted
by the University of
Alberta,8 US EPA and the
Flaring, Incinerating and
Venting Guideline for
British Columbia.
P2, Flare destruction Specifically, the Guideline
DE % Estimated 98.5% -
B2 efficiency requires flares to ensure
that the flare gas net
heating value be at least 20
MJ/m3. Based on this
standard, the conservative
estimate of 98.5% was
made.
P2,
P8,
P9,
P11, Reference values adjusted
Carbon dioxide
P12, annually as part of
emission factor for kg CO2e / From Environment Canada
EF CO2 i P16, Estimated Annually Environment Canada
combustion of fuel m3 fuel reference documents
B2, reporting on Canadas
type i
B9,
B11,
B12
Volume of fuel Each Provides a high level of
Vol.Gasf, P4, Reconciliation after every
consumed m3 Measured Blowdown assurance and lowers
Vol.Fuelc P3 blowdown
compressor or flare Event monitoring burden.
8
Quantification Protocol for Engine Fuel Management and Vent Gas Capture from the Alberta Offset System.
Page 43 |
1.
/Variable
Hours of The equipment rating
Estimated by equipment operation should provide a
Volume of fuel used
3 rating and tracking hours of reconciled reasonable estimate of gas
Vol.Fuelc P4 to power m Estimated
operation, including any after every consumed. Hours of
compressor
shutdowns Blowdown operation can easily and
event accurately be tracked.
Page 44 |
2.6. Uncertainty
To achieve a high level of accuracy, uncertainty must be reduced in emissions reductions
quantifications as much as possible. The following table provides a qualitative
assessment of the overall risk to emission reduction quantification due to uncertainty.
Table 2.8: Uncertainty Assessment

Relative Associated Uncertainty Overall Risk
SSR Magnitude to Emission
of SSR Measurement Calculation Reduction
Low. Temperature, Low. Determined directly from
pressure, gas measurements, without the use
composition, and of emission factors. The gas
B3, P3 volume of the Primary deviation factor is defined with
Large Low
Vented Gas Pressurized Gas system a high level of accuracy for a
are all easily monitored wide range of transmission-line
and can be accurately compositions of natural gas.
determined.
Low to medium. If a site-
Low. Temperature and
specific CO2 emission factors are
pressure Primary
used to determine emissions, a
Pressurized Gas system
high level of accuracy can be
or volume of gas flared
achieved. The level of
are easily monitored
P6 Flaring Medium uncertainty associated with a Low
and can be accurately
generic CO2 emission factor
determined. Gas
depends upon the project fuel
composition can also
composition as compared to the
be accurately
composition of fuel used to
determined.
determine the emission factor.
Low to medium. If a site-
specific emission factors for CO2
and CH4 are used to determine
emissions, a high level of
Low. The volume of accuracy can be achieved. The
P7 Pump
fuel consumed for level of uncertainty associated
Down Small Low
compression is directly with generic CO2 and CH4
Compression
monitored. emission factors depends upon
the project fuel composition as
compared to the composition of
fuel used to determine the
emission factor.
Page 45 |
Medium. Upstream Low to medium. If a site-
and downstream specific emission factors for CO2
B8, B9, B11,
compression are not and CH4 are used to determine
B12, P8, P9
always under the direct emissions, a high level of
P11, P12
control of the project accuracy can be achieved. The
Primary and
proponent. However, level of uncertainty associated
Secondary Small Low
sophisticated models with generic CO2 and CH4
Upstream
exist to compare emission factors depends upon
and
compressor fuel the project fuel composition as
Downstream
consumption between compared to the composition of
Compression
the baseline and fuel used to determine the
project. emission factor.
Overall Uncertainty Low. The largest SSR is quantified the most accurately. The robustness of
this quantification allows for some uncertainty in small SSRs without
breaching materiality.
2.1. Conservativeness
Bias has been reduced by monitoring parameters where possible. However,
circumstances may arise that make monitoring too costly or difficult to be practical. In
these cases, parameters have been conservatively estimated. A higher level of
uncertainty in a parameter demands a more conservative estimate. This overarching
principle has been used to guarantee the robustness and conservativeness of emissions
reductions quantifications.
For example, if it is not possible to determine the flare destruction efficiency, it may be
assumed to be 98.5%. Typical flare destruction efficiency is between 98.5% and 99.5%.
The lower estimate results in a higher estimate of GHG emissions in the project
condition, thus increasing conservativeness.
2.2. Leakage
GHG emissions from Affected SSRs or Related SSRs outside the project boundary are
commonly referred to as leakage. Sources of leakage have been conservatively
excluded from this project. For example, the conservation of fuel gas reduces GHG
emissions from Fuel Processing and Extraction and Fuel Delivery. However, since this
negligible source of emissions has been excluded, GHG reductions are conservatively
excluded. In addition, projects are expected to conserve small amounts of fuel gas and
would therefore have negligible market influence on natural gas, eliminating any
rebound effect from a decrease in prices.
Page 46 |
Other sources of leakage, such as Site Decommissioning, can be excluded as they are
functionally equivalent in the project and baseline condition, and thus have no
associated GHG emission increases or reductions.
3. Data Management
Data capture must be conducted such that quantification may be easily performed with
the need for minimal assumptions and use of contingency procedures. Data should be
of sufficient quality, meet the standards laid out in Table 2.6, and be substantiated by
the proponent records for the purpose of verification. The project proponent shall also
establish record keeping and QA/QC procedures.
3.1. Data Capture

The following is a summary of parameters which may require direct monitoring,
depending upon project configuration. For detailed monitoring requirements of each
parameter, please refer to Table 2.6.
a) Pressure and temperature, just prior to Blowdown Reduction event and just
after Compression, Flaring, and/or Pressure Reduction. (Not required for Flaring
if volume of gas flared is directly monitored.)
b) Gas composition analysis
c) The volume, type, and composition, if available, of supplemental fuel and the
volume of natural gas consumed for flaring.
d) The kWh of electricity or volume and type of fuel consumed for compression.
3.2. Documentation
Depending on the project configuration, documentation should include, but is not
limited to:
a) Written log of Blowdown Reduction event, fully documenting actions taken,

emergency venting/flaring, process adjustments/interruptions, and date, time,
and duration of activities
b) Pressure and temperature readings, including the time and location where
readings were taken
Page 47 |
c) Laboratory report on gas composition analysis and/or pipeline gas specifications
d) Volume of fuel or kWh of electricity consumed by compressor
e) Volume of supplemental fuel and natural gas consumed by flare
f) As-built engineering drawings or aerial photographs of the Primary Pressurized

Gas System
g) Make/model of compressor, flare, and/or valves, along with any available

manufacturers specifications
h) Make/model of all monitoring equipment
i) Economic analysis as described in Applicability Criteria of Protocol
j) Records or estimations of the volume of fuel consumed by upstream and

downstream compression prior to, following and during the blowdown event
k) Names of the persons taking measurements and/or conducting the Blowdown

Reduction activities
All documentation shall be kept on file for a minimum period of 10 years after crediting
period and the project plan and report shall be kept on file 10 years after the date of
validation. All records must be made available for review by a verification body,
provided within 60 days of request.
3.3. Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC)

QA/QC procedures should be implemented by the project proponent to add confidence
that all measurements and calculations have been made correctly. These should include,
but are not limited to:
a. The protection of monitoring equipment (proper storage, use, and handling).
b. Meter calibration by trained personnel at the frequency suggested by the meter

manufacturer.
c. Utilization of the most current version of the Guideline on Flaring, Incinerating,

and Venting Reduction. 9
9
Available at http://www.ogc.gov.bc.ca/documents/guidelines/Flaring%20Incinerating%20%20Venting
%20Reduction%20Guideline%20for%20BC%20-%20Feb-6-08.pdf
Page 48 |
d. Checking data integrity on a regular and periodic basis (transcription errors,
comparing redundant metered data, and detection of outstanding data/records).
e. Comparing current estimates with previous estimates as a reality check;
f. Perform recalculations and/or accuracy checks to make sure no technical errors

have been made.
g. Establish minimum experience and requirements for operators in charge of

project and monitoring.
h. Records should be kept as hard copy and in electronic storage. All

documentation should be available for 10 years after the crediting period and
the project plan and report should be available 10 years after the validation
date.
Page 49 |
APPENDIX A: GAS DEVIATION FACTOR
QUANTIFICATION
Gas Deviation Factor
The gas deviation factors presented in Table A1, Table A2, and Table A3 are calculated
using the Peng and Robinson equation of state (1976). Each table presents the gas
deviation factor for different compositions of gas. Proponents should use the table
which most closely matches the composition of natural gas in the project. Gas deviation
factors should then be selected from the appropriate table based on the temperature
and pressure in the Primary Pressurized Gas System. Where an exact match of
temperature and pressure in project conditions cannot be found, linear interpolation
between data points is an acceptable method of estimation of the gas deviation factor.
At gauge pressures below 400 kPa, the gas deviation factor may be set to a value of 1.0.
Table A1: Gas Deviation Factors for Typical Processed Natural Gas Downstream of Straddle
Plants at Various Combinations of Temperature and Pressure (95.213% C1, 2.4306% C2,
0.1374% C3, 0.0043% iC4, 0.0043% nC4, 0.0013% iC5, 0.0010% nC5, 0.0012% nC6+, 1.6519% N2
and 0.5552% CO2) 10
Absolute Gas Deviation Factor (Dimensionless)
Pressure (kPa)
0 C 5 C 10 C 15 C
100 0.996956 0.997124 0.997282 0.997430
200 0.993917 0.994254 0.994569 0.994865
300 0.990883 0.991388 0.991862 0.992307
400 0.987853 0.988529 0.989162 0.989756
500 0.984829 0.985675 0.986467 0.987211
600 0.981810 0.982827 0.983779 0.984672
700 0.978796 0.979984 0.981097 0.982141
800 0.975788 0.977148 0.978422 0.979616
900 0.972785 0.974318 0.975754 0.977098
1 000 0.969788 0.971495 0.973092 0.974588
2 000 0.940170 0.943641 0.946879 0.949904
3 000 0.911317 0.916598 0.921509 0.926084
4 000 0.883437 0.890556 0.897154 0.903283
5 000 0.856780 0.865734 0.874007 0.881670
6 000 0.831632 0.842378 0.852279 0.861427
7 000 0.808311 0.820753 0.832192 0.842740
8 000 0.787145 0.801127 0.813965 0.825789
9 000 0.768446 0.783747 0.797797 0.810737
10 000 0.752472 0.768818 0.783850 0.797712
11 000 0.739393 0.756475 0.772233 0.786799
12 000 0.729270 0.746769 0.762987 0.778032
10
Methodology Manual. Estimation of Air Emissions from the Canadian Natural Gas Transmission,
Storage, and Distribution System. Page 223. Prepared for the Canadian Energy Partnership For
Environmental Innovation by Clearstone Engineering Ltd. 2007.
A-I
Table A2: Gas Deviation Factors for Typical Processed Natural Gas Upstream Of Straddle Plants
at Various Combinations Of Temperature And Pressure (92.8693% C1, 4.0556% C2, 1.1112% C3,
0.1601% iC4, 0.2180% nC4, 0.0496% iC5, 0.0389% nC5, 0.0225% nC6+,0.8291% N2 and 0.6334%
CO2)11

Pressure (kPa)
0 C 5 C 10 C 15 C
100 0.996663 0.996845 0.997015 0.997176
200 0.993330 0.993694 0.994036 0.994357
300 0.990000 0.990547 0.991061 0.991543
400 0.986673 0.987405 0.988091 0.988735
500 0.983350 0.984268 0.985127 0.985933
600 0.980031 0.981135 0.982168 0.983137
700 0.976716 0.978006 0.979215 0.980347
800 0.973405 0.974883 0.976267 0.977564
900 0.970099 0.971765 0.973325 0.974786
1 000 0.966797 0.968652 0.970389 0.972015
2 000 0.934054 0.937850 0.941389 0.944693
3 000 0.901958 0.907769 0.913167 0.918191
4 000 0.870748 0.878630 0.885924 0.892689
5 000 0.840724 0.850701 0.859899 0.868401
6 000 0.812256 0.824299 0.835363 0.845558
7 000 0.785772 0.799780 0.812613 0.824412
8 000 0.761737 0.77519 0.791957 0.805213
9 000 0.740609 0.757878 0.773681 0.788193
10 000 0.722774 0.741160 0.758027 0.773544
11 000 0.708480 0.727564 0.745153 0.761392
12 000 0.697794 0.717156 0.735118 0.751787
11
A-II
Table A3: Gas Deviation Factors for Rich Processed Natural Gas Upstream Of Straddle Plants
For Various Combinations Of Temperature And Pressure (88.41% C1, 7.45% C2, 1.91% C3, 0.17%
iC4, 0.24% nC4, 0.06% iC5, 0.04% nC5, 0.10% nC6+, 0.72% N2 and 0.90% CO2)12

Pressure (kPa)
0 C 5 C 10 C 15 C
100 0.996346 0.996543 0.996728 0.996901
200 0.992694 0.993089 0.993459 0.993806
300 0.989044 0.989637 0.990194 0.990716
400 0.985395 0.986188 0.986932 0.987630
500 0.981747 0.982742 0.983675 0.984549
600 0.978102 0.979300 0.980421 0.981473
700 0.974459 0.975860 0.977172 0.978402
800 0.970818 0.972424 0.973927 0.975336
900 0.967179 0.968991 0.970687 0.972275
1 000 0.963543 0.965562 0.967451 0.969220
2 000 0.927356 0.931512 0.935386 0.939001
3 000 0.891629 0.898039 0.903985 0.909514
4 000 0.856627 0.865389 0.873481 0.880972
5 000 0.822707 0.833886 0.844160 0.853634
6 000 0.790337 0.803932 0.816371 0.827798
7 000 0.760103 0.776010 0.790516 0.803801
8 000 0.732677 0.750658 0.767027 0.781994
9 000 0.708752 0.728412 0.746327 0.762717
10 000 0.688913 0.709729 0.728776 0.746251
11 000 0.673516 0.694900 0.714608 0.732788
12 000 0.662606 0.683995 0.703897 0.722395
12
A-III
APPENDIX B: DERIVATION OF EQUATION TO
DETERMINE VOLUME OF GAS VENTED
Natural gas in a pipeline behaves as a real gas. In other words, the attractive forces
between particles cannot be ignored due to the high pressure, low temperature, and
polarity of the gas molecules. The following equation quantifies the mass of gas in the
pipeline, taking the attractive forces between particles into account.
Equation B1
Where
n = number of moles of gas (mol)
PSyst = absolute pressure of the Primary Pressurized Gas System (kPa)
VSyst = volume (m3)
Z = gas deviation factor (unitless)
R = gas constant (kPam3K-1mol-1)
TSyst = temperature (K)
It is assumed that once released, the gas assumes standard temperature and pressure.
(This assumption is only significant because densities are calculated at STP. It is not a
reflection of the actual environment during the project.) Therefore, the natural gas
behaves as an ideal gas, so we can exclude the gas deviation factor.
Equation B2
Where
n = number of moles of gas (mol)
PSTP = pressure at STP (101.325 kPa)
VSTP = volume of gas initially contained in the system referenced at STP (m3)
Z = gas deviation factor (unitless)
R = gas constant (kPam3K-1kmol-1)
TSTP = temperature at STP (288.15 K)
The number of moles of gas vented is constant. Therefore:
Equation B3
B-I
APPENDIX C: EMISSION FACTORS
C.1 Site Specific Emission Factor
To determine a site-specific emission factor for a generator, the following approach is
used. Emission factors for the generator can be taken from Environment Canada
documents.
Equation C1
Where
EF Off-Grid = emission factor for off-grid electricity generation (kg CO2e/kWh)
EFFuelCO2i, EFFuelCH4i, EFFuelN2Oi = CO2, CH4, and N2O emission factors for combustion
of fuel i (kg CO2e /m3)
GWPCH4, N2O = global warming potential of methane (21) and nitrous oxide (310)
HHV i = higher heating value of fuel I, as determined through a fuel gas analysis
(preferred) or through standard published values (GJ/m3)
Efficiency = Estimated efficiency of engine, from manufacturers specs or
efficiency analysis
C.2 Generic Emission Factors

Table C1 gives emission factors for fossil fuels. Equipment specific emission factors
should be used wherever possible.
C-I
Table C1: Fuel Combustion Emission Factors13
Combustion Emission Factor
Fuel kg/m3
CO2 CH4 N2O
Natural Gas
Electric Utilities 1.916 0.000 49 0.000 049
Industrial 1.916 0.000 037 0.000 033
Producer Consumption 2.151 0.006 5 0.000 06
Pipelines 1.916 0.001 9 0.000 05
Propane kg/L
Residential 1.510 0.000 027 0.000 108
All Other Uses 1.510 0.000 024 0.000 108
Ethane 0.976 N/A N/A
Butane 1.730 0.000 024 0.000 108
Diesel 2.663 0.000 133 0.000 4
13
National Inventory Report: Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks in Canada: 1990-2008. Environment
Canada.
C-II
APPENDIX D: ACCURACY OF TEMPERATURE
MEASUREMENT
Temperature
To determine the acceptable error in monitoring the temperature of the system, it was
assumed that the measured temperature of the system would range between -30 C
and 30 C. The actual temperature of the system was determined by assigning
hypothetical error (from 5 K to 20 K) to the measured temperatures. The following
equation was used to determine the error as a percentage.
Where
% error = the percentage of error associated with the measured temperature

TMeasured = the measured temperature of the Primary Pressurized Gas System (K)
TActual = the actual temperature of the Primary Pressurized Gas System (K)
= TMeasured + Error
Table D1 shows the percentage of error at various temperatures and error in

measurement. The table highlights that a 10 C error in temperature does not affect
calculations more than 5%.
Table D1: Percentage of error with various temperatures

Error in measurement (C or K)
TSyst (K)
TSyst (C) 5 -5 10 -10 20 -20
-30 243.15 2.4% -2.4% 4.8% -4.9% 9.6% -9.9%
-20 253.15 2.2% -2.3% 4.5% -4.5% 8.9% -9.1%
-10 263.15 2.1% -2.1% 4.1% -4.2% 8.3% -8.4%
0 273.15 1.9% -1.9% 3.9% -3.9% 7.7% -7.8%
10 283.15 1.8% -1.8% 3.6% -3.6% 7.2% -7.2%
20 293.15 1.7% -1.7% 3.4% -3.4% 6.7% -6.7%
30 303.15 1.6% -1.6% 3.1% -3.1% 6.3% -6.2%
D-I
APPENDIX E: FLARING, INCINERATING, AND
VENTING GUIDELINE FOR BRITISH COLUMBIA
6 Pipeline Flaring, Incinerating, and Venting
This section addresses disposal of gases from gas gathering and transmission lines by flaring,
incinerating, and venting. Sources of natural gas flaring, incinerating, or venting include:
routine flaring, incinerating, and venting of low-pressure flash-gas and other gas
streams at pipeline system compressor and dehydration facilities, and
nonroutine flaring, incinerating, and venting for pipeline depressuring for maintenance,
process upsets, or emergency depressuring for safety reasons.
6.1 Pipeline Systems Flaring, Incinerating, and Venting Decision Tree

Licensees should use the decision tree analysis shown in Figure 9 to evaluate all new
and existing pipeline systems, including compression station flares, incinerators, and
vents. These evaluations should be updated prior to any planned flare/incinerator/vent
events.
1) Licensees should document alternatives considered in order to eliminate or reduce
flaring, incinerating, and/or venting, how they were evaluated, and the outcome of
the evaluation.
2) Operators should assess opportunities to eliminate or reduce flaring, incinerating,
and venting of gas due to frequent maintenance or facility outages.
a) Operators should investigate and correct repeat events at gas pipelines and
related facilities (e.g. compressor stations).
b) Operators should address public complaints and concerns related to pipeline
facility flaring, incinerating, or venting.
c) Operators should investigate and implement feasible measures to conserve gas
from depressuring of pipeline systems.
6.2 Additional Requirements for Gas Gathering Systems

1) All monthly flared, incinerated, and vented volumes must be reported separately on
a Ministry of Small Business and Revenue BC-S2 form in accordance with Section 10
and the Oil and Gas Royalty Handbook.
2) Approval is required for planned nonroutine flaring where the total volume of flared
gas will exceed the small volume exemption in Section 3.3.2 (2). Approval
requirements are outlined in Section 3.
3) Notification requirements described in Table 2 apply.
6.3 Natural Gas Transmission Systems

This Guideline applies to flaring, incinerating, and venting in conjunction with natural
gas transmission systems subject to the following provisions:
1) Licensees of sweet natural gas transmission pipelines should minimize venting,
flaring, and incinerating volumes.
a) The economic evaluation in Section 2.8 is not applicable for evaluating
conservation of gas from nonroutine pipeline depressuring for maintenance.
b) Licensees should evaluate conservation of gas from planned nonroutine
pipeline depressuring having regard for the value of gas, costs of conserving
the gas, and economic impacts of extended outages on downstream
customers and upstream producers
2) Flaring or incinerating of gas from sweet natural gas transmission pipeline

depressuring may not be practical when impacts on system customers and
producers are considered. In such situations, the OGC Pipeline and Facilities
group may allow venting of gas to reduce the duration of system outages and
related impacts.
6.4 Notification
1) Licensees must notify residents and the OGC Fort St. John office of nonroutine
flaring, incinerating, or venting at licensed gas pipeline facilities as follows:
a) If pipeline facility flaring, incinerating or venting exceeds 4 hours in duration

and/or 30 103 m3, operators must notify as specified in Section 3.9 and Table 2.
b) In areas where more stringent notification requirements than those defined in
Table 2 exist, licensees must comply with the more stringent requirements.
Figure E1: Pipeline Flaring, Incinerating, and Venting Decision Tree14
14
Flaring, Incinerating, and Venting Guideline for British Columbia. Oil and Gas Commission. British
Columbia.
APPENDIX F: EXAMPLE PROJECT
CONFIGURATIONS AND CORRESPONDING
PROCESS FLOW DIAGRAMS
Three example project configurations are given below with illustrative process flow
diagrams showing the SSRs which are excluded from quantification. These examples are
meant to be used as a guide for project proponents.
Example 1: A section of Natural Gas Pipeline QRS is isolated in before Blowdown. A

portable natural gas pumpdown compressor used to compress the natural gas out of
the isolated section, into the downstream adjacent section of Pipeline QRS. The
remainder of the gas in the system is flared via portable flare that requires no
supplementary fuel, and then vented. Equipment is a fossil fuel powered generator for
electricity.
Example 2: A section of Natural Gas Pipeline 456 is isolated before Blowdown. A

stationary natural gas compressor at the facility is used to compress the natural gas out
of the isolated section, into the downstream adjacent section of Pipeline 456. The
remainder of the gas is vented.
Example 3: A section of Natural Gas Pipeline A01 is isolated before Blowdown. Piping
transported to the site is run from Pipeline A01 to a compressor. This piping is installed
permanently and can be reused at the site. The compressor uses the natural gas from
Pipeline A01 as a fuel source. Once the pressure is no longer sufficient for use in the
compressor, the remainder of the gas is Pipeline A01 is flared via temporary flare that
requires no supplemental fuel, and then vented.
F-1
Figure F1: Project Process Flow Diagram for Example 1

P13 Natural
P3 Vent
Gas Extraction P2 Flare
Device
and Processing
P17 Natural
Gas End Use
P4
Compression
Operation P15 Fuel

P15 Fuel P7 Assembly /
P18 Equipment
P16 Transportation
Equipment and
Piping to Site

P23 Re-use /
Equiment Modification
F-2

P13 Natural
P3 Vent
Gas Extraction
Device
and Processing
P17 Natural
Gas End Use
P14 Grid P4
Electricity Compression
Operation

P23 Re-use /
F-3


P13 Natural
P3 Vent
Gas Extraction P2 Flare
Device
and Processing
P17 Natural
Gas End Use
Operation P15 Fuel

P15 Fuel P7 Assembly /
P6 Pressure P18 Equipment

P16 Reduction Transportation
Equipment and
Piping to Site
P11 Secondary P10 Secondary P12 Secondary


P23 Re-use /
F-4

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Blowdown Protocol for

1. Protocol Scope and Description ..................................................................1

Table 1.1: Eligibility Criteria Under the BC EOR .................................................................. 4

Figure 2.1: Process Flow Diagram for Project Condition .................................................. 12

1.2. Project Description

4) Volume Reduction: Stopple valves, or similar valves, can be added to the

5) Blowdown Avoidance: The following procedures are examples of how

Procedural optimization to avoid Blowdowns can play a major role in

Blowdowns may also be avoided by hot tapping, a technical procedure in

An important consideration for Blowdown Reduction projects is the effects these

1. This protocol is applicable to Blowdown events from pipelines or facilities that

a. The project start date is after November 29th, 2007.

Table 1.1: Eligibility Criteria Under the BC EOR

2. Establish at least one barrier which prevents the implementation of the

1.4. Protocol Flexibility

1. This protocol may be used for quantification of Blowdown Reduction in systems

4. Project proponents may exclude irrelevant SSRs from quantification. For

2. Venting of natural gas results in a complete evacuation of the system.

5. Volumes and densities are corrected to at 15C and 101.3 kPa.

BC EOR British Columbia Emissions Offset Regulation

Blowdown The venting of natural gas from a pressurized system

Blowdown Reduction Any process change which prevents, recaptures,

CO2e Carbon dioxide equivalent. A unit for comparing the

Controlled An SSR whose behaviour or operation is under the

Compression A method of Blowdown Reduction whereby gas from the

Flaring A method of Blowdown Reduction that combusts gas

Pressure Reduction A method of Blowdown Reduction which reduces the

Related An SSR whose behaviour or operation is not under the

SSR A GHG sink, source, or reservoir. A sink is a physical unit

Volume Reduction A method of Blowdown Reduction where the volume of

1. Relevant processes/activities relevant to the project are arranged in a process

P8 Primary P1 Primary P9 Primary

Operation P15 Fuel

P6 Pressure P18 Equipment

P11 Secondary P10 Secondary P12 Secondary

Upstream On-Site Downstream

Natural Gas Supplementary Fuel

Table 2.2: Baseline Selection and Justification

2.3. Identification of SSRs in the Baseline Condition

B8 Primary B1 Primary B9 Primary

P16 P18 Equipment

B11 Secondary B10 Secondary B12 Secondary

Upstream On-Site Downstream

Natural Gas Supplementary Fuel

0.395L/km 3000 km = 1185 L

Emission Reduction = Emissions Baseline Emissions Project

Emissions Baseline = B2 + B3 + B8 + B9 +B11 + B12

Emissions Project = P2 + P3 + P4 + P8 + P9 +P11 + P12

Emissions Baseline = sum of the emissions under the baseline condition.

Emissions Project = sum of the emissions under the project condition.

2.5.2. Quantification Procedures

The following calculates GHG emission reductions in kilograms of carbon dioxide,

Table 2.5: Global Warming Potential of CO2, CH4, and N2O

P2 = Vol.Fuels EFCO2 i ; Vol.Fuels EF CH4 i ; Vol.Fuels EF N2O i ;

P2 = Vol.Fuels EFCO2 i ; Vol.Fuels [CH4] (1-DE) CH4; Vol.Fuels EF N2O i ;

Emissions from the operation of a pump/pull down or transfer compressor are

P4 = Vol.Fuelc EF CO2 i ; Vol.Fuelc EF CH4 i ; Vol.Fuelc EF N2O i

Equation 7 is used when electricity is consumed by the compressor. If grid electricity is

P4 = kWh EF Elec. CO2e

P16 Transportation of Equipment to Site

Table 2.6: Data Monitoring/Parameter Determination Primary Procedures

Table 2.7: Data Monitoring - Contingency Procedures

Table 2.8: Uncertainty Assessment

3.1. Data Capture