Onboard Dynamics Blog

Mitch Schmidtke Takes the Helm as CEO of Onboard Dynamics

November 4, 2024 by Jason Vosburgh

Onboard Dynamics is pleased to announce the appointment of Mitch Schmidtke as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. In conjunction with this transition, Rita Hansen, the current CEO and Co-founder, will take on the role of Co-Founder and Advisor, where she will continue to provide her invaluable expertise and guidance.

Mitch Schmidtke is a results-oriented business executive with experience in driving rapid growth and sustaining success across various organizations. He possesses a proven track record in leading teams to achieve vital business outcomes.

Mr. Schmidtke founded and led the growth of Eagle Tanks, Inc., an original equipment manufacturer of aboveground steel tanks for flammable and combustible liquids. During his sixteen years of leadership, he successfully scaled sales revenue tenfold. His expertise encompasses strategic planning, sales management, business process improvement, lean manufacturing, and organizational leadership.

Mr. Schmidtke also brings a distinguished military background as a retired Colonel in the United States Army Reserve. He has held key leadership positions in infantry and civil affairs branches. His extensive duties and positions include Commander of a Civil Affairs Brigade, Deputy Director of Stability Operations in Southern Afghanistan, and Senior Advisor for the Office of Provincial Affairs, at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq.

Mitch holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Master’s degree in Business Administration as well as a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he is an active volunteer, serving as a mentor with SCORE assisting entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. His military contributions were recognized with prestigious awards, including two Bronze Star Medals for combat service.

“I am honored to take on the role of CEO at Onboard Dynamics. I look forward to collaborating with our talented team to drive innovation and growth, and to build on the solid foundation that Rita Hansen and the team have established. Together, we will continue to provide safe, reliable, and innovative solutions that support and decarbonize the natural gas industry.” – Mitch Schmidtke, newly appointed CEO of Onboard Dynamics

We are excited to welcome Mitch Schmidtke’s new role to the Onboard Dynamics’ team and look forward to his leadership as we continue advancing cleaner energy for the environment.

Best Advancement in Maintenance Technology: The GoVAC® MAX System

October 10, 2024 by Jason Vosburgh

Onboard Dynamics is thrilled to announce that the GoVAC® MAX System has been recognized as the winner of the Best Advancement in Maintenance Technology award. This prestigious accolade, presented by Gulf Energy Information Excellence, highlights groundbreaking pipeline-related technologies that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety within the energy sector.

The award ceremony took place on October 9th, 2024, at the Post Oak Hotel in Houston, Texas. For more details on this exciting announcement, click here.

Out of over 500 nominations competing across 29 categories, the GoVAC® MAX System stood out as a leading innovation. This automated, self-contained solution is specifically designed for capturing and recovering natural gas during pipeline evacuations. By preventing methane emissions, it offers a cleaner alternative to traditional gas venting and provides a safer option compared to flaring, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable energy landscape.

Developed by Onboard Dynamics, the GoVAC® MAX System employs cutting-edge integrated engine/compressor technology. By utilizing a small portion of the evacuated natural gas for its operation, the system significantly reduces emissions and minimizes the need for additional equipment. Its compact design allows for operation in challenging locations, and the unit is easily towable with a pickup truck, enhancing maneuverability at job sites.

The GoVAC® Control System is another key feature, providing automated data capture and remote monitoring capabilities. This advanced system allows for continuous oversight, ensuring that operators can access real-time data for informed decision-making. The integration of automated controls promotes operational safety by enabling early detection of issues, streamlining response mechanisms, and providing detailed operational diagnostics for timely maintenance.

The GoVAC® MAX System represents a significant leap forward in natural gas pipeline evacuation, also referred to as cross compression or recompression. Its integrated control system ensures efficient operations and enhances project planning. By delivering real-time insights during pipeline evacuations, it aids operators and service providers in completing jobs more efficiently while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and supporting sustainability initiatives.

In conclusion, the GoVAC® MAX System is a groundbreaking advancement in natural gas capture and recovery technology. Its ability to mitigate emissions, improve operational efficiency, and align with environmental goals makes it an indispensable tool for natural gas pipeline evacuations. Onboard Dynamics remains dedicated to advancing cleaner energy solutions, celebrating this achievement as part of our ongoing mission to promote sustainability and innovation in the natural gas industry.

Onboard Dynamics Among the Finalists for the Gulf Energy Information Excellence Awards

August 29, 2024 by Jason Vosburgh

Developed by Onboard Dynamics, the GoVAC® MAX System is built upon patented integrated engine/compressor technology.

Onboard Dynamics is proud to announce its selection as a finalist for the prestigious Gulf Energy Information Excellence Awards in the Best Advancement in Maintenance Technology – Midstream category. This accolade honors innovative pipeline-related technologies that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, or improve safety in the energy sector.

The Gulf Energy Information Excellence Awards are recognized as the premier awards ceremony within the global energy industry, hosted by Gulf Energy Information—the largest independent media company dedicated to the energy sector. This event celebrates cutting-edge technological advancements and outstanding leadership across the industry.

The event will be held on October 9^th, 2024 at the Post Oak Hotel in Houston Texas. Learn more about the event here.

The technology nominated for this award is the GoVAC® MAX Pipeline Evacuation System. This automated, self-contained solution captures and recovers natural gas during pipeline evacuations, preventing methane releases into the atmosphere. Moreover, the system generates precise environmental impact and operational reports electronically, facilitating informed decision-making, regulatory compliance, and streamlined project planning.

Developed by Onboard Dynamics, the GoVAC® MAX System is built upon patented integrated engine/compressor technology. This unique design harnesses a small portion of the natural gas being evacuated for power, which eliminates the hassle of managing additional equipment and resources. Its compact design allows for operation in challenging locations, making it ideal for diverse job sites.

A standout aspect of the GoVAC® MAX System is the integrated data platform, which offers automated data capture, remote monitoring capabilities and accurate reporting. This ensures secure transmission, data storage, and easy reporting access, with operators able to view detailed environmental and operational reports both on-site and remotely.

In summary, the GoVAC® MAX System represents the next generation in natural gas capture and recovery technology. Its capacity to mitigate emissions, enhance operational efficiency, and align with environmental initiatives positions it as an essential tool for natural gas pipeline evacuations.

Onboard Dynamics remains committed to supporting the natural gas industry with solutions that drive sustainability and innovation. And we celebrate this achievement and continue our mission of Advancing Cleaner Energy For Our Environment.

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.