SUMMARY
To assist in achieving “net-zero” methane emissions targets, the industry must first adopt a program of baseline emissions quantification, followed by sustainable engineering initiatives to achieve these goals. Carbon taxation requires the industry to invest in emissions mitigation to offset taxes. In turn, mitigation generates carbon credits to offset the resultant overhead. Issuing carbon credits requires precise and repeatable “point-source” emission quantification, which does not exist with conventional gas metering, leak detection, or optical gas imaging technologies.
BACKGROUND
Low-pressure greenhouse gases (GHG) venting into the atmosphere cannot be accurately measured with positive displacement and differential pressure meters. Mass flow metering requires known and controlled conditions to achieve accuracy and is mostly impractical in the field. Top-down optical gas imaging and fence-line monitoring are fast becoming unsuitable for the impending carbon market and regulation around proving net-zero emissions. Industry asked us to adapt the Ventbuster® and develop an economical, in-line, continuous metering device using our patented flow channel technology.
The Ventsentinel® is designed for precision monitoring, measurement and reporting that records vented gas emissions 24/7/365. They required the digital data to be transmitted to our secure IoT platform or to their hosted SCADA network.
CLIENT BENEFITS
Measurement technology that is vent agnostic and adaptable across all industries.
Precision 24/7/365 real-time detection and reporting of broad spectrum flow rates and pressures of diffusing GHG vents into the atmosphere.
Highly sensitive flow detection with unambiguous digital data transmitted for real-time monitoring.
Repeatable, defensible, auditable, and accurate point-source emissions quantification for carbon credits, trading and taxation.
Regulatory compliant.
APPLICATION
We committed to this advancement and adaptation of our flow channel technology, as we foresaw applications to all venting GHG monitoring in the upstream and midstream sectors; be it hydrocarbon gases venting from oilfield tanks, compressor seals, instrument air, heavy oil wells, incinerators, combustors, flare stacks, safety relief valves, or fuel gas exhaust. We also foresaw application across other industrial sectors from landfill sites, fuel storage tanks, coal mines, wastewater bio-gas, pulp and paper emissions, and agriculture. Our tech could be applied to solve the challenges around GHG qualification and quantification.
THE CHALLENGE
We worked with industry and technological third-party validation organizations in a two-year field pilot project to finalize our commercial design of the Ventsentinel® to perfect the following key performance indicators (KPIs):
High turn-down ratio measuring GHG flow ranges from ultra-low flows to over 6000 m3/day (200 mcfd) using one “universal” metering technology.
A flow channel with no restrictions and virtually zero pressure drop through the in-line flow path.
Continuous real-time monitoring: recording erratic, intermittent, or constant stream flow rates over time.
An adaptable power port for 120v AC plant power or an independent 12v @ 100mA solar or battery source.
Adaptable communication port that interfaces using Modbus to SCADA systems or Gateway platforms.
Permanent and efficient installation for an array of in-line placements.
Ability to measure and record shut-in pressures as required for various applications.
Intuitive self-check start-up characteristics to be operational and programmed in minutes.
Free liquids in the solution gas stream are knocked out upstream of the Ventsentinel®.
Weather-proof and functions in ambient temperatures ranging from -40°C to +55°C.
Onboard intuitive software and firmware.
Flow rates are corrected to standard temperature and pressure.
Flow rates are corrected for gas composition and converted to precise mass volumes for carbon trading and taxation.
Operating pressure rated to ANSI 300.
Intrinsically safe with hazardous area certification of Class 1, Zone 0 AEx, Group II AT4
PROBLEM SOLVED
The Ventsentinel® is now patented and ready for worldwide distribution. After achieving the above KPIs and obtaining third-party validation from the industry, we completed the final commercial design and readying for manufacture in Q4-2023. We look forward to our commercial product release early in 2024. We are actively securing distribution, sales, and marketing partners in North America and abroad.
MOVING TOWARDS NET-ZERO
Ventbuster Instruments customizes its equipment to measure a vast array of methane (CH4) emitters. Using the Ventbuster® technology to measure emission flow rates and CH4 mass volumes, assists not only in effective management but has proven invaluable in carbon trading and the carbon offset market.
By taking on this responsibility to precisely quantify and acknowledge our carbon footprint, together the energy industry and Ventbuster Instruments can make significant steps along the path to achieving net-zero.
For further information about Ventbuster Instruments and our technology, please visit our website at www.ventbusters.com. Gain insight into our technology, its function and deployment and review our technical data sheets and other information documents.