Continuous Monitoring Verifies Emissions Reduction from Pneumatic Device Upgrades: A Case Study with Enhance Energy and Qube Technologies
Author: Ben Montgomery, Eric Wen
TL;DR
Pneumatic devices are a major source of methane emissions in the oil and gas industry, contributing around 50% of total emissions.
Upgrading from high-bleed to low-bleed or no-bleed pneumatic devices is a proven strategy to significantly reduce methane emissions.
Continuous monitoring is essential to accurately verify the effectiveness of equipment upgrades and emissions reduction.
Qube Technologies, a leader in continuous emissions monitoring, partnered with Enhance Energy to implement advanced methane sensors and data analysis tools.
Qube's monitoring solutions verified Enhance Energy achieved a 60% reduction in methane emissions following upgrades to their pneumatic devices, showcasing the effectiveness of targeted upgrades and robust monitoring practices.
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is a significant contributor to climate change. Within the oil and gas industry, pneumatic devices contribute roughly 50% of methane released based on EPA estimates (1). High-bleed pneumatic devices, which control operations such as valves and actuators, have an especially high potential for leakage. In many regions, including Canada and the United States, regulations now stipulate the replacement of these high-bleed devices with low-bleed or intermittent-vent alternatives to mitigate emissions (2, 3).
However, simply upgrading equipment is not enough; verifying the effectiveness of these upgrades is crucial. This is where continuous emissions monitoring becomes essential. Enhance Energy, in collaboration with Qube Technologies, utilized continuous monitoring solutions to verify methane emissions reductions following pneumatic device upgrades. This article highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and presents key findings from the study.
Importance of Continuous Monitoring Programs in Site Emissions Monitoring
Continuous monitoring program is crucial for accurately assessing the impact of equipment upgrades on emissions. Here are several reasons why implementing a continuous monitoring program is vital:
Establishing an Emissions Baseline: Before any equipment changes are made, continuous monitoring helps establish a baseline of emissions levels. This baseline is essential for comparing pre- and post-upgrade emissions to determine the effectiveness of mitigation strategies.
Identifying Patterns and Trends: Long-term data collection allows facilities to identify trends in emissions, such as seasonal variations or recurring issues. Understanding these patterns is essential for developing strategies to address root causes and improve emissions control over time.
Tracking Progress: By continuously analyzing emissions data, facilities can assess the effectiveness of their reduction strategies and track progress toward sustainability goals. This ongoing assessment is vital for regulatory compliance and for demonstrating a commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Predicting Future Emissions: Continuous monitoring provides data for predictive analysis, enabling facilities to forecast future emissions levels based on historical patterns. This foresight allows for proactive measures to prevent potential increases in emissions.
Ensuring Regulatory Compliance: Many environmental regulations require ongoing documentation of emissions levels. Continuous monitoring helps facilities stay compliant with these regulations by providing accurate, up-to-date emissions data.
Detecting Anomalies and Leaks: Real-time monitoring can quickly detect anomalies or unexpected spikes in emissions, which may indicate equipment malfunctions or leaks. Early detection allows for timely intervention, preventing more significant emissions releases.
Cost Management: Identifying inefficient processes or equipment through continuous monitoring helps facilities reduce costs associated with excessive fuel consumption, regulatory fines, and mitigation efforts. Effective emissions management can result in substantial cost savings over time.
Field Study: Verification of Methane Emissions Reduction with Pneumatic Device Upgrades
In April 2021, Enhance Energy, in collaboration with Qube Technologies, conducted a pilot study to monitor methane emissions at seven facilities in Alberta, Canada. This deployment was approved as part of an alternative Fugitive Emissions Management Plan (alt-FEMP) by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER). The objective was to establish real-time emissions monitoring while maintaining regulatory compliance and understanding emissions reductions through long term trends.
During the initial monitoring phase, a significant portion of detected emissions events were attributed to high-bleed pneumatic devices. Recognizing the impact, Enhance Energy implemented a program in April 2022 to convert these high-bleed devices to low-bleed versions across several facilities. Qube Technologies’ advanced quantification algorithms were used to calculate site-specific emission rates for two months before and after the installation of low-bleed devices. The results were compelling: the facilities observed a reduction in methane emissions by approximately 60% following the upgrades (Figure 1). This substantial decrease demonstrates the effectiveness of replacing high-bleed pneumatic devices with low-bleed alternatives and the need for thorough monitoring – such as what is provided by Qube – to verify the abatement of emissions.
Figure 1 - Methane Emissions Reductions Following the Installation of Low Bleed Pneumatic Devices
The findings from Enhance’s field study underscore the importance of continuous emissions monitoring to validate emissions abatement from equipment upgrades. By upgrading high-bleed pneumatic devices to low-bleed controllers and implementing robust monitoring programs, operators can achieve significant reductions in methane emissions. These proactive measures are essential for complying with evolving regulations and minimizing environmental impact.
Qube Technologies remains committed to supporting the oil and gas industry in its efforts to reduce methane emissions through innovative monitoring solutions and partnerships. As the industry continues to evolve, continuous monitoring will play a pivotal role in achieving a more sustainable future.
For more insights into how Qube Technologies is driving emissions reduction and sustainability in the oil and gas sector, explore our other resources and case studies or reach out directly.