Oil/gas production tank hatch monitoring – Eliminate methane emissions
We calculate SCFM real time when venting! No one else does this!!!
Benefits the Environment AND Results in More Sellable Gas for the Operator
Advantis, LLC has developed and patented a new low-cost device to monitor (real time) tank hatches for methane emissions. When venting occurs, the amount of methane released into the environment is calculated – this has never been done before! An immediate notification is sent when the oil/gas production tank hatch status changes – whether open/closed/closed and latched/venting. When the hatch is open, closed but not latched, or venting, methane and other volatile hydrocarbon gases are being emitted directly into the atmosphere. The amount of methane released into the environment is calculated during venting status.
This product offers a more complete, real time, and inexpensive solution for operators to know when methane is escaping and calculate how much. The goal is to manage quickly and efficiently the reduction of methane gas emissions into the environment, thereby reducing its impact on global warming. Methane emissions are a high priority issue as global warming has been in the environmental forefront. One example is EPA’s recent proposal, the 2021 Clean Air Act, to reduce pollution from the oil and natural gas industry. This product is an innovative solution to meet that need.
The device provides active monitoring of hatches to determine if it is open, closed, latched and/or venting. As each of these conditions change, a notification is sent to the operator. The operator will be notified if the hatch is open, or when the hatch is closed but not latched, because methane can emit into the atmosphere (unintentional leaks). When closed and latched and pressure builds beyond the design parameters of the tank, the hatch releases the excess pressure, methane is emitted, and the operator is notified (intentional venting). When venting, the amount of methane emissions can be calculated with Advantis’ technology, based on how long the venting occurs.
Currently this type of monitoring is not being done and operators do not know how much or how often methane is leaking into the environment. They can be fined for excessive venting as well as not having hatches latched.
Can Improve ESG rating
ESG stands for E nvironmental S ocial and G overnance, and refers to the three key factors when measuring the sustainability and ethical impact of an investment in a business or company. Most socially responsible investors check companies out using ESG criteria to screen investments. Active monitoring of methane gas at the production tanks is a low cost yet high return on environmental improvement and improved ESG scores.
LDAR – Real Time
This project is innovative because it brings real-time, around-the-clock, measurable data to operators as opposed to current methods, such as LDAR (Leak Detection and Repair) programs that are not ongoing or measurable. LDAR detects emissions with a specified number of inspections per year. LDAR programs often do not cover all well sites at all. Even if emissions are detected and corrected, more fugitive emissions may occur and go undetected until the next inspection. Upcoming satellite monitoring systems will only be able to bring near-weekly reports. The Advantis system reporting is immediate.
How it Works
Advantis accomplishes this by placing a very thin force sensor between the gasket and metal landing ring on the tank hatch. Measuring this force on a hatch gasket conveys to the operator if the hatch is open, closed, latched and/or venting. Operators can immediately address the fugitive emissions. Also of note, included with the solution is a self-contained field computer in an enclosure properly rated to U.L. 913 standard – meaning intrinsically safe for explosive environments.
This is a new concept and patented technology (US 9764893).
Improves the Environment
Advantis’ hatch monitoring system has the potential to improve the environment by detecting methane emissions immediately and thereby preventing further emissions into the atmosphere. Methane is a far more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, reducing the amount in the atmosphere reduces the impact on global warming.
The system has been in extended field testing, so the true measure of success will come as operators use the system to quickly address and correct methane emissions from tank hatches, the largest single source of methane emissions at an oilfield tank battery. LDAR and other emission monitoring systems will never be as effective in curtailing methane emissions as the ongoing monitoring of tank hatches. Depending on the site, tank hatches may vent many times daily and are opened once or twice weekly, so monitoring the hatch status is the only method to control emissions from that source.
Other Uses of the Technology
This technology can serve as a model for other applications that require a gasket/seal on their equipment to prevent spills or leakage. Examples are: railcar tanks, over-the-road tanker trucks, barges on intercoastal waterways, ocean going vessels, tanks and vessels in petrochemical plants, and general industry. The initial intention for the idea was focused solely on oil/gas production tank hatches. However, as development and testing were done, more ideas of how to use the product in industry became apparent. Advantis would like the opportunity to partner with others that may have ideas on how to apply the technology to benefit industry and the environment
This technology has the potential to greatly impact future environmental quality and slowing climate change by cutting methane emissions NOW.