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Technology-Led Responses for Navigating New Emission Standards: Solutions for Flaring, Methane Manag
The report highlights technology-driven strategies for U.S. onshore oil and gas operators navigating new emission standards. These regulations target flaring, methane management, automatic leak detection, updated compressor categories, and the launch of the Super Emitter Program.
Please note that this is a separate and additional report to the 61-page post-conference report also publicized on this website.
Written from the perspective of senior facility engineers, the report outlines the critical measures needed to comply with these evolving regulations. For over a decade, American Business Conferences—now part of the Strategy Engineering Research Group—has been at the forefront of hosting successful Onshore Facilities conferences. In recent years, these events have centered around the industry’s response to impending emission standards, though much of the discussion remained speculative.
This research report is a starting point for those seeking to understand what’s new in the industry. This will be particularly valuable for small to medium-sized operators, as many of the new technologies will be explored with a focus on smaller wellsite facilities and operations, emphasizing cost-effectiveness. During our research, operators frequently asked, “What’s new? What are companies trying? How is everyone interpreting compliance with these regulations?” Much of this depends on how states implement EPA regulations, a topic that will be a major focus at the conference. Attendees will stay informed with updates on state-by-state regulatory implementation, which continues to be a critical issue for the industry.
METHODOLOGY FOR COMPILING THE REPORT
This research report results from over 50 interviews conducted for the upcoming Well Site Facilities Conference held in Houston on 23 & 24 September 2024. We spoke to 35 operators and 15 vendors, predominantly from the Permian region but also from Bakken, Oklahoma, and Marcellus, to gain a perspective and help industry facilities operators cost-effectively upgrade their facilities to achieve these new emission standards. In addition, some of the presentations from the American Business Conferences 2023 Facilities Engineering Conference helped define some of the most important technologies.
For the research report and writing the conference agenda, the output is completely anonymized, so we’re not mentioning any of the companies or organizations we spoke to. Instead, the purpose of this research report is to equip onshore oil and gas operators with a foundational understanding of industry strategies and the latest technologies, providing clear guidance on navigating new emission standards. It acts as a strategic resource and a practical new technology innovation checklist designed to assist operators of all sizes—whether attending the conference or not—in addressing key regulatory challenges and implementing relevant technological solutions.
For vendors, the report offers critical insights into operator needs and procurement criteria, helping them tailor their solutions to meet market demands. By providing transparency into industry trends and strategies, this report serves as an essential tool for both operators and vendors during this period of regulatory transition.
From our conversations with operators, it is evident that there needs to be more clarity within the industry regarding the interpretation and practical application of the new regulations. 90% of our discussions—though conducted earlier in the year and still relevant—highlighted the ambiguity surrounding implementing these standards effectively. Many operators also pointed out contradictions and nuanced discrepancies within certain regulatory frameworks.
The report looks at technology, use cases, case studies and procurement criteria from an operator point of vew. Evaluating the different options of competing technologies with relevant industry examples.
The report covers;
Technology Responses to New Flaring and Methane Calculations
New Flaring Efficiency Standards
Infra-red Flare Monitoring Cameras
Automated Flare Monitoring Systems
Case Study 1: Real-Time Flare Monitoring with AI-Powered Systems
Case Study 2: Autonomous Drone and Satellite-Based Emission Monitoring
Use Case 1: AI-Powered Flare Monitoring Systems
Use Case 2: Autonomous Drones for Leak Detection in Remote Facilities
Use Case 3: Satellite-Based Emissions Monitoring
AI-Powered Flare Monitoring Systems
Laser-Based Real-Time Emissions Monitoring
Flare Gas Flow Optimization Solutions, Including Digital Twins
Thermal Imaging Systems
Ultrasonic Flow Meters
Laser-Based Flare Efficiency Monitoring
Advanced Laser-Based Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS)
AI-Integrated Predictive Analytics in CEMS
Multi-Gas Sensors with Wireless Connectivity
Compact and Modular CEMS for Decentralized Monitoring
Continuous CEMS Systems
Methane Sensors (Fixed and Portable)
Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) Programs
Regulatory Acceptance and Technological Solutions
Pneumatic Devices
Smart Pneumatic Devices (Low or Zero-Bleed Controllers)
Aerial Monitoring:
Super Emitter Program and Overlapping Technologies
Additional Source Categories and Calculations for Compressors
Smart Seals and Gaskets
Electric or Solar-Powered Compressors
Case Study 1: Electric Compressors for Zero Methane Emissions
Case Study 2: Solar-Powered Compressors for Remote Operations
Use Cases: Electric and Solar-Powered Compressors in Upstream Oil and Gas Operations
Use Case 2: Solar-Powered Compressors for Off-Grid Oilfields
Use Case 3: Backup Compressors in Case of Power Outages
Use Case 4: Hybrid Electric-Solar Compressors for Sustainability Goals
Use Case 5: Solar Compressors for Gas-Lift Operations in Remote Fields
Data Management and Reporting Systems:
Special Consideration for Gas Lift Operations
Additional Technology on the Compressor Side
Acoustic Leak Detection for compressors
Advanced-Data Analytics in Compression Emissions
Remote Monitoring Systems for Compressors
Thermal Oxidizers
Use Case 1: Emissions Control During Well Testing
Use Case 2: Produced Gas Treatment at Remote Well Sites
Use Case 3: Tank Vent Gas Destruction in Oil Storage Operations
Use Case 4: Emergency Gas Handling in Offshore Platforms
Use Case 5: Gas Treatment During Drilling and Completion Operations
Commencement of the Super Emitter Program
Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS), Enhanced Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR), and Advanced Flaring Technologies.
Innovation in AI-Powered Drone Monitoring Systems
Satellite-Based Methane Detection with Hyperspectral Imaging
Additionally, Swarm Drone Technology
Flaring Metering Technologies
Mass Flow Meters, Multiphase Flow Meters, and Differential Pressure Flow Meters.
Optimization of Flaring and Venting Practices
Vapor Recovery Units (VRUs)
Instrument Air Packages and Retrofitting Tanks
Plus analysis and strategic recommendations.
Request to download the report today!
This report provides a snapshot of the key technologies currently influencing the oil and gas industry. While not exhaustive, it serves as a foundation for understanding the latest innovations that are shaping operations. The agenda for the upcoming Emissions Conference closely mirrors these technologies, particularly those driven by regulatory changes in North America.
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