Real-Time Emissions Monitoring: Operational Insights from the Field
A recent deployment of Qube Technologies' continuous emissions monitoring system at a QB Energy well pad in the Piceance Basin has yielded tangible operational benefits beyond regulatory compliance.
Case Overview
In June 2024, QB Energy strategically implemented a network of five methane sensors for real-time emissions quantification. By January 2025, this system proved its value when it detected a sustained methane increase exceeding state inventory baselines at the site.
What makes this case particularly relevant for operational teams is that the monitoring system identified an unexpected source. Rather than a common thief hatch issue, field personnel discovered a reportable produced water spill caused by a failed manifold—a problem that might have gone undetected longer during routine inspections alone.
Key Operational Outcomes
The case demonstrates several practical advantages of continuous monitoring:
Early Problem Detection: The system identified the issue through persistent methane readings before visual inspection would have caught it
Precise Problem Location: Qube's dashboard pinpointed the emissions source to the produced water tank area
Contained Environmental Impact: Thanks to early detection, the spill remained within existing berms
Regulatory Compliance: The operator promptly reported the incident to CDPHE as required
Verified Resolution: Post-repair data confirmed a 96% reduction in emissions to baseline levels
Technical Performance
For engineers and operations managers, the system's sensitivity is particularly noteworthy. It detected even minimal methane emissions from the produced water spill, demonstrating both the site's low baseline emissions and the monitoring technology's precision.
The verification capabilities also provide valuable operational data—the system confirmed that repairs were effective by measuring the return to baseline emission levels after the manifold was fixed.
Business Implications
For decision-makers evaluating emissions monitoring technologies, this case illustrates how continuous monitoring shifts from a regulatory requirement to an operational asset:
Faster Issue Resolution: Problems identified and addressed before escalation
Resource Optimization: Field personnel directed precisely where needed
Documented Compliance: Automated emissions tracking throughout the incident lifecycle
Risk Mitigation: Environmental containment verified before ground contamination occurred
More Information
This straightforward application of continuous monitoring technology delivers actionable operational intelligence while enhancing environmental protection efforts.
Download the Complete Case Study for detailed specifications of the implemented system, the complete timeline from detection to resolution, and the quantitative emissions data that guided the response.