GATHERING AND TRANSPORTING NATURAL GAS AND WATER
Networks of gathering pipelines, compressor stations, and processing equipment are used to transport raw natural gas from the field to retail and utility markets. Produced natural gas is gathered, separated, and often processed before it is used. Gathering pipeline systems collect gas from multiple wells to a central point—typically a gathering and boosting station, a processing plant, or a connection to a larger mainline transmission pipeline or shipping point. Gathering and boosting stations, also known as compressor stations, help maximize well production and keep gas moving down the pipeline. This gas isn’t always ready to be utilized by consumers and can be treated at processing facilities before it is retail “pipeline quality” gas. For gas to be “pipeline quality,” water is removed by dehydration units and other impurities, like carbon dioxide and oxygen, are removed at processing facilities. Natural gas liquids (NGLs) are separated out of the gas stream and broken down by a process known as fractionation before sale. The pipeline quality natural gas is then moved by transmission lines (interstate pipeline systems), which ultimately carry the gas to the final consumer or local distribution company that fuels your home.
CNX utilizes a similar infrastructure concept to manage water transportation, maximizing our water reuse and recycling potential. Water pipelines are installed in tandem with the gas gathering pipelines to gather water from producing natural gas wells, which, in turn, deliver the water to central points for storage and reuse. These co-located pipelines reduce our environmental footprint by requiring only one right of way. Boosting stations along the water pipeline route keep water moving down the pipeline and allows water to be transported and stored at strategically placed centralized storage facilities within our operational footprint. This water management system significantly reduces the demand on freshwater and significantly reduces the need for trucks to transport the water, eliminating safety and spill risks, emissions, and traffic nuisances on public roadways.
