Fugitive Emissions in Alberta, Canada: How a Better Management Plan Can Deliver Bottom-Line Value

On the heels of COP26—the 26th United Nations Climate Conference—diplomats from nearly 200 countries reached an agreement to work together to stave off the worst effects of climate change for current and future generations. In line with these goals, Canada has set a high bar for reducing fugitive emissions by 2025, requiring oil and gas operations to optimize and improve their leak detection and repair practices to comply. Alberta operations can face penalties, fines, and emissions taxes if their fugitive emissions don’t comply with regulations. Furthermore, losing valuable gas to the atmosphere means a loss of product. Fugitive emissions cost Canada oil and gas producers billions of dollars in lost product every year.

Fortunately, there are easy, cost-effective ways to mitigate fugitive emissions in Canada by improving your fugitive emissions management plan. Investing in emissions-reducing valves, hoses, and other small components has long-term benefits and is a great place to start. By working with local experts to understand the sources of fugitive emissions in your facility, you can select high-quality components that will prevent them.

Opportunities to Reduce Fugitive Emissions

Oil and gas facilities contain thousands of potential sources of fugitive emissions. Any location where multiple components join is a potential leak point; for example:

• Fittings
• Valves
• Instruments
• Meters
• Seals
• Hoses
• Open-ended lines

Valves are responsible for approximately 60 percent of all fugitive emissions in a typical oil and gas facility. Valves produce fugitive emissions when installed incorrectly, damaged in operation, loosened by vibration, or wear out over time. Because oil and gas facilities contain thousands of valves, regular inspections are essential to identify any leaking valves and replace them.

Anywhere else components join, such as hoses, gauges, seals, instrument panels, rotating equipment, or seal support systems, is a potential leak point. For the best results in reducing fugitive emissions, Canada oil and gas operators should implement a management plan including active monitoring for leaks and proactive measures like preventive maintenance and installing high-quality, leak-resistant components.

Preventing Fugitive Emissions in Canada with a Management Plan

One of the best ways to reduce fugitive emissions in Canada’s oil and gas facilities is by implementing a management plan that includes high-quality components and connection hardware. Valves, fittings, and hoses are a good place to start because there are so many of these components, and they all have the potential to release fugitive emissions.

By replacing older or worn valves with new, low-emission valves, fugitive emissions can be reduced significantly. Even if they seem to be in good condition, many older valves are made to lower quality and emissions standards than newer ones. Replacing them with newer valves with improved engineering and material quality can result in significant fugitive emissions reductions throughout the plant.

Fugitive emissions from valves can sometimes be reduced by adjusting the stem packing rather than replacing the valve. Rebuild kits can be used to easily adjust or replace stem packing with low-E valve packing that is flexible and won’t shrink or absorb moisture.

All fittings and connections—especially threaded connections—are potential leak points and should be regularly inspected as part of your fugitive emissions management plant. Threaded connections are highly vulnerable to leaks and should be eliminated wherever possible. Use flanged or welded connections instead, or replace piping with tubing to cut down on the number of connections.

Finally, don’t rely on guesswork—be sure to consult with a fluid handling systems expert who can help you identify potential leak points and high-risk components in your facility and select the best components to address them.

Local Experts Can Help with Your Fugitive Emissions Management Plan

Edmonton Valve & Fitting provides expert consultation and high-quality components to reduce fugitive emissions in Alberta, Canada oil and gas operations and improve leak management plans. One of our expert Field Advisors can perform an onsite evaluation and recommend component upgrades to help reduce emissions in your facility.

Swagelok valves passed the API Low-E test for fugitive emissions without modification. By using Swagelok valves, you don’t just meet the strictest regulations in the industry, you exceed them while ensuring your people and equipment are protected by the most advanced components in the industry. Plus, all our products are backed by Swagelok’s industry-leading Limited Lifetime Warranty.