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Methane Mitigation: The Value of Precise Reporting

August 29, 2024 by Jason Vosburgh

In efforts to mitigate methane emissions, the implementation of pipeline evacuation systems with integrated control systems for automated data collection has proven indispensable. These advanced systems enable companies to comply with current and future regulations, adhere to project timelines, support environmental initiatives, and achieve economic benefit in a safe and efficient manner.

Automated data collection is key to effective job performance planning. It empowers natural gas companies and service providers to manage their projects with greater efficiency, providing reliable service. By monitoring real-time data during evacuation projects, operators can gain immediate visibility into project success. This real-time information allows for timely field actions, significantly impacting project outcomes. Pipeline issues can arise during an evacuation project, but with precise data in hand, it is possible to determine where an issue needs to be addressed, positively influencing the project’s bottom line.

The recently concluded SGA Virtual Teaching Course, presented by Dan Pedersen, Director of Engineering at Onboard Dynamics, on August 28th, 2024, explored the necessity of natural gas pipeline evacuation systems. Equipped with automated controls like the GoVAC® Pipeline Evacuation System, these systems are vital for remote monitoring, allowing continuous oversight and management from distant locations. The benefits of real-time data collection provide immediate access to critical information and support informed decision-making.

Dan emphasized that the integrated data platform found in the GoVAC® System not only enhances operational safety by promoting early detection of issues but also enables efficient response mechanisms. The system generates detailed insights into operational diagnostics, aiding in timely maintenance and troubleshooting efforts. Moreover, accurate environmental impact reporting—a crucial feature of the GoVAC® System—ensures compliance with regulations while supporting sustainability initiatives.

Attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of the significant value that an integrated data platform provides. This type of system is essential for maintaining operational efficiency and streamlining project planning. The real-time actions facilitated by this technology offer critical insights to service providers, promptly informing them of conditions during pipeline evacuations and ultimately impacting project completion times. Additionally, it plays a vital role in delivering accurate project metrics, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining public trust, and reducing the environmental footprint of operations.

In summary, as the natural gas industry navigates the complexities of methane mitigation, the importance of precise reporting and automated data collection is becoming ever more critical. Dan Pedersen’s insights highlighted how embracing these technologies not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to a more sustainable and responsible approach to natural gas management.

If you are an SGA member, you can view the course on the SGA website here.

Matt Sievert to Present at the 2024 Western Regional Gas Conference

August 12, 2024 by Jason Vosburgh

Matt Sievert of Onboard Dynamics to Present at the 2024 Western Regional Gas Conference

Title: The Critical Role of Accurate Reporting in Mitigating Methane Emissions

Presented by Matt Sievert, Director of Business Development
Date: Wednesday, August 21^st
Time: 1:30 to 2:15 pm
Location: Western Regional Gas Conference (WRGC) in Tempe, AZ

At the upcoming Western Regional Gas Conference (WRGC) in Tempe, Arizona, industry experts will gather to discuss the critical role of accurate reporting in mitigating methane emissions in natural gas pipeline operations. Matt Sievert, Director of Business Development, will shed light on the importance of precise measurement and reporting in the context of environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance.

The Imperative for Methane Emission Reduction

The pressure on natural gas pipeline owners and operators to reduce methane emissions has never been greater. With heightened public scrutiny, evolving regulations, and a growing focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, organizations are compelled to adopt measures that minimize methane releases into the atmosphere. This imperative has led to the adoption of various technologies aimed at capturing and recovering natural gas to reduce emissions during pipeline operations.

The Challenge of Accurate Reporting

While technologies for gas capture and recovery exist, not all solutions offer the capability to electronically track and measure these activities like the GoVAC® Pipeline Evacuation System. Accurate measurement and reporting of such activities are crucial for demonstrating compliance with regulations, meeting ESG goals, and potentially accessing economic benefits in the carbon credit marketplace.

The Role of Electronic Data Capture

Systems that electronically capture emissions data play a pivotal role in ensuring precise measurement and reporting. By eliminating manual processes prone to errors, these systems provide operators with verified project results and streamlined environmental reporting capabilities. The ability to receive third-party certification further enhances the credibility of environmental initiatives and facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements.

Securing Data Integrity

As companies navigate increasing public scrutiny and regulatory oversight, the need for secure data reporting becomes paramount. Control systems that communicate securely with the cloud enable remote monitoring and enhance data integrity. Verification and third-party certification processes help safeguard against unauthorized changes to emissions data, ensuring its accuracy, tamper-proof nature, and security.

Looking Ahead: Leveraging Technology for Environmental Accountability

In a landscape marked by growing environmental awareness and sustainability imperatives, the adoption of methane reduction tools with robust reporting features is essential. These tools not only help in documenting efforts to prevent methane emissions but also have the potential to generate tradable carbon credits in the carbon credit marketplace.

About the Presentation

Matt Sievert’s presentation at the WRGC promises to delve deeper into the critical role of accurate reporting in mitigating methane emissions. By exploring the intersection of technology, environmental accountability, and regulatory compliance, attendees will gain valuable insights into the future of sustainable natural gas pipeline operations.

As the industry continues to evolve, embracing technologies that ensure accurate reporting and data integrity will be key to advancing environmental stewardship and meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing regulatory landscape. Join us at the conference to be part of this important conversation and drive positive change in methane emission mitigation efforts.

Project Spotlight: Four GoVAC® FLEX Systems Used in a Single Project for Evacuation in British Columbia

June 25, 2024 by Jason Vosburgh

Overview:

A major utility company (the “Company”), servicing over a million customers across multiple communities in British Columbia (B.C.), is dedicated to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions through investments in low-carbon energy solutions. Grounded in core values of safety, customer care, collaboration, respect, and progress, the Company is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030.

This utility highlights their sustainability pillars as the foundation for their future, emphasizing environmental responsibility in all aspects of project planning and execution, including routine blowdown or pipeline evacuation operations.

The Challenge:

Given the Company’s extensive pipeline network and their sustainability goals and zero-release methane policy, a flexible solution capable of meeting the demands of both high-volume evacuation projects and smaller projects located in residential areas was required.

The Solution:

Onboard Dynamics’ GoVAC® FLEX System emerged as the top choice for this customer because of its versatility. In particular, the ability to employ a single unit for smaller projects as well as the option to aggregate multiple units for larger scale projects was advantageous. As a result, the Company opted to lease four (4) systems to meet their project requirements.

In addition to supplying the GoVAC® FLEX systems, Onboard Dynamics also provided user training which enabled the Company to operate the systems safely and efficiently with continual oversight. This expedited deployment and enabled better project planning for the Company.

Four GoVAC^® FLEX Systems Project Scope:

The project scope consisted of decommissioning a distribution line located beneath a freeway. This line encompassed pipes of various diameters ranging from 8 inches to 20 inches. The Company wanted to standardize the diameters of their pipelines which motivated the decommissioning of these segments to facilitate replacement with a uniform diameter. This strategic initiative aimed to enhance operational efficiency and bolster reliability for the Company’s customers, ensuring consistent service delivery across their pipeline network.

Given the challenging location of the project, the evacuation system chosen needed to be nimble enough so that it could be maneuvered into place yet efficient enough to cross-compress larger volumes of gas.

Onboard Dynamics deployed four GoVAC® FLEX systems in a single project.

For this specific project, four GoVAC® FLEX systems working in tandem successfully evacuated 1,174,482 standard cubic feet (scf) of natural gas over a 16,733 ft long section. To achieve this, the units consumed 60,177 scf of natural gas as fuel. Despite this fuel consumption, the emissions generated by the system amounted to 7,221 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e). Considering the emissions generated by running the system, net emission reductions from capturing the natural gas with the GoVAC® FLEX System were greater than 99%. This demonstrates the efficiency of the GoVAC® FLEX System in evacuating natural gas while keeping its environmental impact relatively low as compared to common practices of venting or flaring gas from the pipe.

“I just want to say I am very impressed with your whole team with the support since delivery…”

The Company’s operations team underwent comprehensive hands-on training in preparation for operating the four GoVAC® FLEX systems. This training regimen comprised a full day of classroom instruction followed by a full day of field training. The team was divided into five groups of two individuals each, allowing for focused practice sessions encompassing system setup, operation, and “live” pipeline evacuation scenarios. Emphasizing practical, real-world applications, the training aimed to equip the team with the skills and confidence needed to effectively utilize the GoVAC® FLEX System in operational environments.

Environmental impact reports summarizing the project enabled the Company to measure their environmental initiatives. The environmental impact reporting features gave the Company accurate project results that they can use to measure their internal ESG goals as well as having accurate documented proof of their methane mitigation activities.

Environmental Impact Report:

Total Natural Gas Evacuated
- 1,174,482 scf.
The Fuel Consumption by the GoVAC® System
- 60,177 scf.
- ~5% of the natural gas captured.
The GoVAC® System Emissions from the Project
- 7,221.26 lbs. of CO₂e
- Approximately 5% of the total gas captured.
Total Evacuation Time
- This is the total time that gas is moving through the system.
- In this case, this value is the sum of the time dispersed across all four units.

Furthermore, remote monitoring supported by Onboard Dynamics’ leading telemetry and SCADA system provided the Company additional assurance on the status of the project in real-time. In summary, this project not only showcased the efficiency of the GoVAC® FLEX systems but also underscored Onboard Dynamics’ dedication to its customers, prioritizing a client-centric approach to training and support throughout the entirety of the project.

By leveraging its innovative technologies and strategic collaborations, Onboard Dynamics continues to set new benchmarks for our customers in pipeline evacuations, Advancing Cleaner Energy For Our Environment.

Onboard Dynamics and ROSKA Expand the GoVAC® System into Western Canada

June 12, 2024 by Onboard Dynamics

[Bend, OR] – June 12, 2024
Onboard Dynamics LLC (Onboard Dynamics), in collaboration with ROSKA DBO (ROSKA), is poised to expand the adoption of the GoVAC® Pipeline Evacuation System across the western and northern regions of Canada. The GoVAC® System, supplied by Onboard Dynamics, is designed to capture, recover, and measure natural gas during pipeline evacuations which serves as a crucial solution in mitigating methane emissions into the atmosphere. Together, the companies will support the decarbonization of the Canadian natural gas industry.

This partnership allows Canadian pipeline operators in the western and northern provinces to benefit from ROSKA’s greater than 25 years of service to the industry.

The innovative technology provided by Onboard Dynamics, combined with this seasoned range of services and capabilities, further strengthens ROSKA’s position as the leading service provider in the region.

“We are proud to announce our partnership with ROSKA and our joint efforts to introduce the GoVAC® Pipeline Evacuation System across Western Canada,” said Rita Hansen, CEO, Onboard Dynamics. “Through this collaboration, we are demonstrating our dedication to fostering a more sustainable future for the Canadian natural gas industry.”

“This exciting partnership with Onboard Dynamics expands our pulldown offering into the low HP evacuation and recompression market, with a quality product for customers looking to conserve gas and reduce emissions,” said Clayton Roska, President, ROSKA DBO. “The addition of the GOVAC® System fills a gap in our gas conservation compression fleet, with Roska service and the GoVAC System, low volume gas conservation becomes easy for our customers. “

About Onboard Dynamics LLC
Founded in 2013, the goal of Onboard Dynamics is to support the natural gas ecosystem in reducing global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions safely and reliably through our innovative and practical commercial solutions. Our patented compression-based systems minimize methane and other GHG releases during pipeline operations and maintenance, mitigate GHG emissions from transportation vehicles, and capture methane that would otherwise be released to the atmosphere from other industrial operations. Our customers receive expanded environmental benefits and reduction in costs through purchasing, leasing, and/or receiving turn-key services from our natural gas-powered products. For more information, visit www.onboarddynamics.com or follow Onboard Dynamics on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/onboard-dynamics-llc/

About ROSKA DBO
Roska is a customer-focused operations company with 29-year track record offering solutions that include both Operations People and Process Equipment. One of these “solutions” is “Pipeline Pulldowns” , in the last 10 years Roska has conserved more than 2.8 BCF of gas using high HP gas compression to pulldown transmission lines for our customers.

We work to build strong relationships by following our core values and work hard to align ourselves with our customers’ interests. Roska’s unique combination of operations capabilities and services forms a business model that is unique within the Canadian energy services sector.

We are Operations People with Process Equipment Technically backed and Ready to Go, including Production Testing that meets facility standards.

Onboard Dynamics Announces Channel Partners for the Northeast and Appalachia Regions

April 24, 2024 by Onboard Dynamics

Wednesday, April 24^th, 2024, Onboard Dynamics, in collaboration with ECI and Mulcare/PERC, is poised to expand adoption of the GoVAC® pipeline evacuation system in the Northeast and Appalachia regions of the U.S. This innovative solution is designed to capture, recover, and measure natural gas and serves as a crucial solution in mitigating methane emissions into the atmosphere and supports the decarbonization of the natural gas industry.

By leveraging the combined local presence and outstanding reputations of both companies, Onboard Dynamics and its partners are committed to promoting utilization of the GoVAC® system. Drawing upon their extensive expertise in natural gas field services, the partners will offer comprehensive cross-compression solutions to their valued customers.

“For over 100 years, Mulcare/PERC has been selling and supporting product innovation in the LDC and Transmission market. We are excited to collaborate with Onboard Dynamics to provide expanded sales and field service support for the GoVAC® system line. We recognize that mitigating methane emissions is critical to our valued customers,” said Scott Vigil, Principal/Sales & Marketing Director, Mulcare/PERC. “The GoVAC® system’s unique design provides the kind of clean operation and EPA reporting our customer base will expect in meeting their compliance requirements. This is the product we want our name attached to.”

“Operators need innovative pipeline maintenance solutions that address their need for flexibility and mobility,” said Jim Neville, VP of Oil & Gas, ECI. “The GoVAC® system offers a unique self-contained evacuation and recompression solution that helps operators meet their sustainability and decarbonization goals. ECI delivers impactful solutions that help natural gas industry leaders achieve operational excellence. The addition of the GoVAC system to our portfolio enables us to deliver an even more robust solution and service offering to our customers.”

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with these two outstanding companies. The expansive capabilities of their organizations include technical expertise, product distribution networks, and field service excellence. This makes them ideal channel partners for increasing the adoption of our GoVAC® system throughout the Northeastern and Appalachian natural gas markets,” said Rita Hansen, CEO, Onboard Dynamics. “Together, we look forward to delivering innovative solutions and driving progress in the journey to reduce methane emissions.”

ECI, channel partner of Onboard Dynamics

About ECI
ECI specializes in process control and industrial automation products and solutions for manufacturing and process customers in the oil and gas, chemical, power, food and beverage, mining and metals, life sciences, pulp and paper, refining, petrochemical, OEM and nuclear industries. In addition, as an Emerson Impact Partner, ECI provides engineering, site support and training services for customers. Founded on the principles of product quality, reliability and safety, ECI offers unmatched product and service solutions designed to meet specific customer needs. ECI is an ISO 9001:2015 registered company and employs more than 300 professionals at several locations across Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette honored ECI with an eleventh consecutive Top Workplace Award in 2023.

For more information, contact ECI at: 724.746.3700 or visit www.eci.us.

Mulcare/PERC channel partners of Onboard Dynamics.

About Mulcare/PERC
Since 1923, Mulcare Pipeline Solutions has grown up with the natural gas industry. As a manufacturer’s representative, stocking distributor and field services provider, we are uniquely positioned to provide the full level of service our dynamic natural gas industry has come to demand. Our consistent delivery of cutting-edge products and services has earned us a valuable place as a solutions provider. Exclusively focused and well versed on the modern concerns of midstream, transmission, distribution, municipal, engineering and contractor companies, Mulcare aims to meet and exceed our customer’s expectations by being easy to do business with. Whether you require the natural gas industry’s latest and most advanced products, on-site service experts, money-saving solutions, or all the above, Mulcare Pipeline Solutions and Pipeline Equipment Resources (PERC) can meet your needs.

For more information, contact Mulcare at:
973-335-4800 | info@mulcare.com | www.mulcare.com
Follow Mulcare on LinkedIn at:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mulcare-pipeline-solutions-inc-/

The GoVAC® Max System is Headed to Alberta, Canada

March 28, 2024 by Onboard Dynamics

Onboard Dynamics LLC secures important funding to bring the GoVAC® MAX pipeline evacuation system to Alberta.

Thanks to the support of the Government of Alberta and funding by Emissions Reduction Alberta, our methane emission reduction technology will soon be available in Alberta. The GoVAC® MAX system will enable Albertan pipeline operators to capture and recover natural gas from pipelines that otherwise would be vented or flared. This system will also incorporate new advanced methods for accurately measuring and reporting on the captured and recovered natural gas.

Read the full release here>>

Why Did We Develop the GoVAC® MAX Pipeline Evacuation System?

At Onboard Dynamics, our vision is to continuously deliver innovative solutions that support mitigating and preventing emissions. We strive to fulfill that vision by supporting our customer’s environmental, social and governance needs through safe, responsible, and affordable technology. — **The GoVAC® Max System** is Easily Towable

When natural gas pipeline operators perform maintenance operations, upgrade pipelines, remove pipelines from service, or conduct pigging operations, the segment of pipeline being worked on must be evacuated of the natural gas prior to commencing work. Practices to remove this natural gas is to vent it, releasing methane into the atmosphere. Another common practice is flaring the natural gas, thereby releasing carbon dioxide instead of methane.

The GoVAC® MAX system is a self-contained natural gas capture and recovery system and serves as an alternative to venting and flaring. The system is built on our patented compression technology, so it runs on the natural gas in the pipeline. This reduces the emission profile to a minimum and removes the need for additional equipment and resources during natural gas capture and recovery projects. The system touts a small footprint making it easy to fit into challenging locations and is nimble enough to be pulled by a standard pickup making it highly maneuverable around a job site.

Onboard Dynamics, LLC supports the natural gas ecosystem in reducing global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions safely and reliably through innovative and practical commercial solutions.

Methane Mitigation: The Value of Precise Reporting

Matt Sievert to Present at the 2024 Western Regional Gas Conference

Title: The Critical Role of Accurate Reporting in Mitigating Methane Emissions