At Snyder Gas Consulting (SGC), we’re proud to deploy ZEVAC-Zero Emissions Vacuum and Compression-technology to help our clients meet environmental goals, reduce operational costs, and streamline field operations. ZEVAC is a game-changer for natural gas operators seeking smarter, cleaner, and more efficient ways to manage pipeline depressurization and commissioning.

Environmental Benefits

ZEVAC enables emission–free pipeline blowdowns by transferring natural gas from one section of pipe to another–rather than venting it into the atmosphere. This aligns with best practices outlined by the American Gas Association (AGA), which emphasizes drawdown and temporary compression as preferred methods for reducing methane emissions during blowdowns.

Impact Highlights from Kelso, WA:

• 12,646.5 scf of methane preserved during the Cowlitz Way Bridge drawdown 

• 7.2 metric tonnes of CO2e saved, equivalent to:

  • 1.6 cars off the road for a year 

  • 9.4 acres of forest grown for one year

  • 7,915 pounds of coal not burned

Operational Efficiency & Cost Savings

ZEVAC doesn’t just protect the environment–it protects your bottom line.

ZEVAC doesn’t just protect the environment–it protects your bottom line. 

• No purging required: Reduces material waste and labor time
• Accelerated commissioning: Speeds up pipeline pressurization and testing
• Minimized downtime: Keeps crews moving and projects on schedule

According to AGA temporary compression and drawdown methods like ZEVAC are among the most effective ways to reduce methane emissions while maintaining operational safety and efficiency.

Project Successes

We’ve successfully implemented ZEVAC across multiple projects in Washington state:

Seattle Pacific University – Pipeline Retirement & Commissioning

• Retired 1,500 ft of 4″ steel pipeline and installed 350 ft of 2″ MDPE 

• Maintained uninterrupted gas service using CNG bottles 

• Used ZEVAC Mini to safely evacuate gas with zero atmospheric release 

• Reduced line pressure from 10 psi to -12 psi in under 30 minutes 

• Verified zero gas presence with SENSIT G–2 CGI 

• Commissioned new pipeline with controlled gas introduction and purging 

• Achieved full compliance with CFR–49 Part 192 and 

Cascade Natural Gas – Cowlitz Way Bridge

• Depressurized 1,000 ft of 12.75” pipe from 236.8 psig to 0.1 psig 

• Preserved over 12,000 scf of methane 

• Delivered measurable environmental and social impact 

Cascade Natural Gas – Kelso Distribution Main Replacement

• Installed 2,807 ft of 4” and 2” MDPE and 1,200 ft of 12” HDPE 

• Tested HDPE section with nitrogen prior to tie–in with the 12” meter set outlet 

• Gas company supplied a 1” Sava valve at the inlet; receiving end had a 3⁄4” ball valve 

• SGC installed ZEVAC valve tree on the company–supplied ball valve; operated only SGC-owned valves 

• Used ZEVAC Mini to draw down both pipelines to -10 atmosphere

  • MDPE section: evacuated post–test to -10 atmosphere

  • HDPE section: drawdown from 0 psi to -10 atmosphere over 2 hours, avoiding overtime

• Reintroduced gas via 34” ball valve until HDPE line reached 56 psi in 2 minutes 

• Verified gas presence with SENSIT G2 CGI–initial read 81% 

• Final purge using muffler and needle valve achieved 100% gas in 3 min 25 sec 

• MDPE section pressurized to 50 psi with 100% gas at endpoints 

• Achieved net–zero emissions across both scopes with no atmospheric release or purging required 

Job Site Fluidity & Time Savings

ZEVAC simplifies logistics and improves coordination on active job sites:

• Compact footprint: Easy to deploy in tight urban or rural spaces 

• Rapid drawdown and pressurization: Keeps crews productive

• Cleaner transitions: Reduces delays between construction phases

Regulatory Alignment & Industry Leadership

Snyder Gas Consulting’s ZEVAC deployments align with:

• AGA’s recommended practices for blowdown emission reduction 

• PHMSA’s mandates under the PIPES Act of 2020, requiring operators to minimize releases of natural gas 

• EPA’s Subpart W reporting standards, which recognize methane preservation as a key metric for sustainability

Our proactive use of ZEVAC supports voluntary programs like the EPA Methane Challenge and One Future, demonstrating our commitment to measurable environmental impact. 

Why Snyder Gas Chooses ZEVAC

As the Pacific Northwest’s premiere natural gas manager, Snyder Gas Consulting integrates ZEVAC into our full–service approach to pipeline construction, inspection, and maintenance. Our clients benefit from:

• Regulatory compliance with zero–emission standards 

• Lowered project costs and improved timelines 

• Enhanced safety and reduced environmental liability

Ready to bring ZEVAC to your next project? Contact us to learn how Snyder Gas Consulting can help you implement emission–free pipeline solutions with confidence.