Definition of Onshore Gas Gathering Lines

API RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 80 SECOND EDITION, MARCH 2020

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Contents

Page

1. Scope 1

2. Normative References 1

3. Terms, Definitions, Acronyms, and Abbreviations 1

   1. Terms and Definitions 1

4. Gathering Lines 2

   1. General Discussion 2

   2. Definition of Onshore Gathering Line 3

   3. Basic Gathering Line Definition Concepts 3

   4. Definition of Production Operation 8

5. Applications 9

   1. Examples of Gas Gathering 9

   2. Example of Central Production Handling Facility with Satellites 12

   3. Example of Production and Gathering Operations 13

   4. Example of a Gas Gathering System with Multiple Compressors 15

   5. Gas Gathering System with Fuel Gas Return Lines 17

Annex A (informative) Decision Trees 19

Figures

1. Example of a Gas Processing Plant as the Furthermost Downstream End point for Gathering 4

2. Example of a Gas Processing Plant as the Furthermost Downstream End point for Gathering Following an Intermediate Facility 4

3. Example of Gas Treatment Facility as the Furthermost Downstream End point of Gathering 5

4. Example of Commingling 5

5. Example A of Distance Restrictions on Gathering 6

6. Example B of Distance Restrictions on Gathering 6

7. Example of Compression on a Gathering Line System 7

8. Incidental Gathering Downstream of an Identified End point 7

9. Gas Return Lines 8

10. Example of Gathering Extending to the Furthest-most Downstream End point 8

11. Examples of Gas Gathering 11

12. Central Production Handling Facility with Satellites Example 12

13. Example Gas Gathering System 14

14. Gas Gathering System with Multiple Compressors 16

15. Gas Gathering System with Fuel Gas Return Lines 18

1. Onshore Gas Gathering Decision Tree (Alternative 1) 20

2. Onshore Gas Gathering Decision Tree (Alternative 2) 21

3. Alternative Decision Tree for Figure 8 (Scenario A) 22

4. Alternative Decision Tree for Figure 8 (Scenario A) 23

5. Alternative Decision Tree for Figure 8 (Scenario B) 24

6. Alternative Decision Tree for Figure 8 (Scenario B) 25

7. Alternative Decision Tree for Figure 8 (Scenario C) 26

8. Alternative Decision Tree for Figure 8 (Scenario C) 27

9. Alternative Decision Tree for Figure 9 28

   Contents

   Page

10. Alternative 2 Decision Tree for Figure 9 29

11. Alternative 1 Decision Tree for Figure 10 30

12. Alternative 2 Decision Tree for Figure 10 31

13. Alternative 1 Decision Tree for Figure 11 32

14. Alternative 2 Decision Tree for Figure 11 33

15. Alternative 1 Decision Tree for Figure 12 (Gas Return Lines) 34

16. Alternative 2 Decision Tree for Figure 12 (Gas Return Lines) 35

17. Alternative 1 Decision Tree for Figure 12 36

18. Alternative 2 Decision Tree for Figure 12 37

Introduction

The first edition of this recommended practice was published in April 2000 and reaffirmed in January 2013. This RP

was incorporated by PHMSA into reference in March 2006.

In August 2011, PHMSA published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) asking for public comment on the need to change the federal pipeline safety standards for gas gathering lines in 49 C.F.R. Part 192. (Docket No. PHMSA-2011–0023; 76 Fed. Reg. 53,086).

In April 2016, PHMSA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) with potential changes to the regulations for onshore gas gathering lines (Docket No. PHMSA-2011–0023; 81 Fed. Reg. 20,721).

The second edition revision effort reflects industry experience using the recommended practice. operators, service providers, regulators, and public interest groups participated in the task group responsible for revising the recommended practice. The primary objective of this revision was to create a more concise document with a focus on clarity for end users.

As of the time of publication of this document, RP 80, 1st Edition was incorporated by reference into U.S. federal regulation (49 CFR 192). The 2nd Edition of RP 80 has not been incorporated by reference into U.S. federal regulation (49 CFR 192). Users of this document may also need to reference the 1st Edition of RP 80.

Definition of Onshore Gas Gathering Lines

1. Scope

   
   

   This industry standard provides a functional description of onshore natural gas gathering pipelines for the sole purpose of providing users with a practical guide for determining the application of gas gathering in the federal Gas Pipeline Safety Standards, 49 CFR Part 192, and state programs implementing these standards. Because of the regional and operational diversity within the natural gas industry, additional guidance is necessary to ensure appropriate and consistent application of the gas gathering line definition. This document does not apply to transportation-related underground gas storage facilities.

   
   

2. Normative References

   
   

   There are no normative references in this document.

   
   

3. Terms, Definitions, Acronyms, and Abbreviations

3.1 Terms and Definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following definitions apply.

3.1.1

commingle

To combine the hydrocarbon streams from two or more wells, units, fields, production zones, or production

facilities through a series of pipelines for processing, treatment, and/or delivery to an end user or another pipeline.

3.1.2

extraction and recovery

Operations used to move liquid and/or gas products from an underground reservoir to the surface.

3.1.3

gathering line gas treatment facility

One or a series of gas treatment operations on a gathering line operated for the purpose of removing impurities.

3.1.4

lifting

Refers to mechanical and other means used to move liquid and/or products from the producing interval in the well to the surface.

3.1.5

measurement

The process of gauging or determining the quantity of hydrocarbons.

3.1.6

natural gas processing plant

A natural gas processing operation, other than production processing, operated for the purpose of commercially extracting one or more components, such as natural gas liquids, carbon dioxide, sulfur, or helium from the gas stream. Gas processing plants are not transportation facilities. Operations within these facilities are on gas that has been removed from transportation for processing.

3.1.7

production

The extraction of subsurface liquid and/or gas hydrocarbon resources.