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Unique, Patented Natural Gas Compression Technology for Driving Down Emissions

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Onboard Dynamics Selected for SHALE INSIGHT® 2023 Technology Showcase

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We’re pleased to announce that Onboard Dynamics was selected to present their pipeline evacuation technology in the 2023 SHALE INSIGHT® Conference. This leading conference in American shale energy brings together industry professionals from across the natural gas supply chain, bringing best-in-class technology solutions and innovative strategies designed to optimize shale energy production.

Onboard Dynamics was chosen to introduce their product, the GoVAC® MAX system, during the SHALE INSIGHT® Technology Showcase on September 27th, 2023. The Technology Showcase includes six companies that were chosen from a competitive field of entries to present their groundbreaking technologies and innovations. These companies’ services will directly address Appalachian Basin shale industry challenges, while benefiting the industry and its stakeholders. Onboard Dynamics’ CEO and Co-founder, Rita Hansen delivered the presentation during the showcase panel.

In addition the Technology Showcase, Onboard Dynamics was among the dozens of companies represented at the SHALE INSIGHT® Exhibit in booth #423.

The GoVAC® MAX – Innovative Pipeline Evacuation System 

GoVAC Pipeline Evacuation System Logo

During the Technology Showcase, Ms. Hansen introduced Onboard Dynamics’ GoVAC® MAX system, which utilizes cross compression technology for pipeline evacuation. The GoVAC® MAX system connects to a natural gas pipeline, draws it down to near-zero psig, and transfers the natural gas to an adjacent pipeline. The system utilizes the natural gas in the pipeline as its source of power and is based on an industrial V8 engine with half of the engine used for combustion and the other half for compression. The patented crosshead design eliminates side loads on the compression pistons, thereby promoting long system life. The GoVAC® MAX is designed to operate with a wide range of inlet pressures and delivers increased flow rates. To accomplish this flexibility, a novel stage-skipping design bypasses the first stage of compression and delivers higher pressures into the second stage of compression. Faster flow rates are achieved by designing for the maximum pressure normally found in a gas transmission line. The GoVAC® MAX system incorporates enhanced filtration that allows for lower quality gas streams where liquid drop out might be present which is often encountered in midstream and upstream applications. The system is also equipped with telematics capability with 2-way communications, enabling data capture and secure storage in the cloud, remote monitoring, and the ability to generate meaningful environmental and operational reports.

About SHALE INSIGHT® 2023 and the Technology Showcase

Onboard Dynamics Selected for SHALE INSIGHT® 2023 Technology Showcase

SHALE INSIGHT® 2023 offers participants unprecedented interaction with industry-leading CEOs, elected officials and thought leaders, all of whom play a critical role in crafting the public policy and technical landscape that defines shale gas development around the world. Insightful technical and public affairs sessions, national keynote addresses, and networking receptions will provide attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors unique access to the industry’s most influential leaders and innovators. 

The SHALE INSIGHT® 2023 12th annual Technology Showcase was held on September 27, 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm. Out of nearly twenty submissions, six companies were selected to present their technologies to the natural gas industry and its service providers. Each selected company delivered an 8-minute presentation followed by a 2-minute Q&A session. The SHALE INSIGHT® 2023, A Shale Coalition® Conference, was held from Sept. 26 – 28 in Erie, PA.

PG&E Chooses Onboard Dynamics to Participate in its Innovation Pitch Fest

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Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has chosen Onboard Dynamics to be among the 54 organizations invited to participate in its first-ever Innovation Pitch Fest. The event is an initiative focused on bridging the gap between today’s energy system and California’s electrified and decarbonized future. The new initiative features nearly 70 challenges and opportunities for R&D around six key themes – gas innovations, undergrounding, electric vehicles, integrated grid planning, wildfire innovations, and supply and load management.

Onboard Dynamics was chosen to present their product, the GoVAC® MAX system, in the gas innovations section. This innovative system addresses PG&E’s problem statement to reduce transmission pipeline blowdown methane emissions whereas current technologies to abate blowdown emissions are costly, resource intensive to implement, and require heavy equipment. The GoVAC® MAX system is a mobile, scalable and efficient cross-compression solution with unique automated data collection and reporting of captured and recovered natural gas.

Onboard Dynamics was one of the 54 companies selected to pitch their technology solutions.
Onboard Dynamics was one of the 54 companies selected to pitch their technology solutions.

The novel design of the GoVAC® MAX system

The GoVAC® MAX system is a self-contained natural gas capture and recovery solution with a novel integrated engine/compressor design making the system more portable and maneuverable than other natural gas-powered pipeline evacuation systems of comparable throughput. The system is built on patented compression technology that runs on a small portion of the natural gas that is being evacuated in the pipeline. Operating on natural gas 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. With its novel patented stage skipping technology, it is robust enough to offer high flow rates and variable inlet/outlet pressure. Systems can also be pooled together when there is a need to scale for even larger projects.

The GoVAC® MAX control system provides automated data capture, remote monitoring and ensures safe and tamper-proof transmission, data storage and secure access.
The GoVAC® MAX control system provides automated data capture, remote monitoring and ensures safe and tamper-proof transmission, data storage and secure access.

The GoVAC® MAX control system provides automated data capture, remote monitoring and ensures safe and tamper-proof transmission, data storage and secure access. Accurate and validated environmental and operational reporting on key metrics are available to the operators both on site and remote and have the option of 3rd party certification. This digitized evacuation capability will enable PG&E to fulfill current and future regulations and environmental initiatives.

About the PG&E Innovation Pitch Fest

PG&E evaluated more than 600 applications to participate in Pitch Fest and selected just 54 organizations to participate. During the Pitch Fest, each organization had 15 minutes to present their respective solution to PG&E decision-makers. Successful pitches have the potential to lead to a range of follow-on engagements with PG&E, including but not limited to direct partnership and grant opportunities.

The Innovation Pitch Fest was held from Sept.12-14, in San Ramon, Calif.

Read the release here>>

Alternative Technologies to Venting and Flaring During Pipeline Blowdowns

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Onboard Dynamics CEO, Rita Hansen, Presenting at GPA Midstream
Environmental Forum, Tuesday, Sept. 19th, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Rita Hansen, CEO, Onboard Dynamics has been selected to give a presentation about alternative technologies to venting and flaring during pipeline blowdowns at the 2023 GPA Midstream Convention. The convention will be held in San Antonio, TX. From September 17th to 20th, 2023 and is an opportunity for people of all levels to come together and exchange ideas and network.  

The presentation will provide an overview of technologies and operating practices that can be implemented to safely prevent methane releases during all pipeline blowdowns, highlighting the features of technology that are most important in determining project success. The product features that will be discussed include safety, gas capture time, system set up time, and consideration of equipment physical size and how these factors all impact total time and cost.

An alternative technology to venting or flaring natural gas to be discussed will be Onboard Dynamics’ GoVAC® pipeline evacuation system. This innovative system simplifies the capture and recovery of natural gas during pipeline blowdowns. It addresses the challenges that pipeline operators face in keeping the natural gas pipeline infrastructure well-maintained while preventing methane emissions. This is especially important in a time when growing regulatory pressure will be limiting the amount of methane emissions allowed.

One of the most notable benefits of the GoVAC® technology is the environmental report generated from the instrumentation and controls designed into the products. This provides automated data capture and ensures safe and tamper-proof transmission, storage, and secure access. Accurate and validated environmental and operational reporting on key metrics are available to the operators both on site and remote.

Ms. Hansen will also provide insight into the value of having asset-grade data to generate certifiable results. The ability to provide digitized, validated evacuation reports enables companies to fulfill current and future regulations and environmental initiatives. Due to increasing regulatory oversight, it will be essential that every effort to mitigate methane release be fully documented with a trail of secure data that can be audited. Without such validation and tracking, the best mitigation efforts could become an expense without commensurate payback.

About Onboard Dynamics

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 GoVAC® pipeline evacuation systems incorporate state-of-the-art instrumentation including flow meters that measure volume of gas recovered. The control system communicates to the cloud enabling remote monitoring and real-time data collection. This technology produces detailed, auditable reports of gas recovered from every project to ensure meeting strict environmental standards. Our products have performed numerous evacuation projects during all seasons throughout the United States.

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.

About GPA Midstream

GPA Midstream was established in 1921 The GPA Midstream gas conference is in San Antonio, TX. This conference allows companies and people working Midstream in the gas industry to come together and exchange ideas and network. This convention touches all professional levels, from entry-level engineers to technical experts and CEOs. Attendees come from operating and supplier companies. The GPA Midstream draws a high number of repeat attendees because the conference covers the latest information in research and development, safe operations, environmental performance, legislative and regulatory issues, and other key industry issues, year after year. Making the conference an important date for companies within the natural gas industry.

Onboard Dynamics at the Western Regional Gas Conference

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Onboard Dynamics is going to be exhibiting at the Western Regional gas Conference. The Conference takes place in Scottsdale Arizona on August 22nd– 23rd.

Come See Our Table

Visitors and potential clients will be able to ask questions about our products and receive detailed information about how our technology and solutions can help reduce their company emissions and achieve ESG goals.

About Our Products

Our GoVAC® line of products is an alternative to venting or flaring natural gas from pipelines. Our core technology can draw down a pipeline to near 0 psig using the natural gas already in the pipeline as its source of power. The gas recovered from the pipeline can then be transferred into an adjoining pipeline or compressed up to 3600 PSIG and put into a tube trailer for transport and reinjection elsewhere or into a storage tank to be used as CNG fuel for vehicles. The GoVAC® system requires no external power making it easy to use in remote areas. Its compact size and footprint facilitate flexibility in transportation and positioning at job sites, which is perfect for residential and challenging locations.

Each GoVAC FLEX ® unit is fully equipped with state-of-the-art telemetry and instrumentation including temperature and pressure sensors, electronic valves, and flow meters that measure how much natural gas is being captured and recovered. The control system communicates up to the cloud which enables remote system monitoring and near real time data collection capabilities.  Our telemetry, instrumentation, and control system come together to provide environmental reports that contain asset grade data ensuring traceability, transparency, and compliance at scale.

The ability to have digitized reports available is a huge benefit to the pipeline operator and any associated auditing agency. Accurate and secure data reporting will become ever more important as companies seek to fulfill current and future regulations and environmental initiatives.

About the Western Regional Gas Conference

The Western Regional Gas Conference is a non-profit organization that covers Integrity management, O&M topics, and new technology for the natural gas industry. There are conferences, seminars, and numerous vendor exhibits. The WRGC aims to provide a venue for discussion of natural gas distribution and transmission topics, regulations, and issues. It provides a relaxed environment for information exchange and networking between delegates, speakers, and vendors. The venue also hosts senior PHMSA members and State Regulators, allowing operators to interact with regulatory authorities.

About Onboard Dynamics

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 GoVAC® pipeline evacuation systems incorporate state-of-the-art instrumentation including flow meters that measure volume of gas recovered. The control system communicates to the cloud enabling remote monitoring and real-time data collection. This technology produces detailed, auditable reports of gas recovered from every project to ensure meeting strict environmental standards. Our products have performed numerous evacuation projects during all seasons throughout the United States.

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.

Onboard Dynamics Exhibiting at the 2023 MEA Gas Operations Technical & Leadership Summit

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The MEA Gas operations Technical & Leadership Summit that takes place on August 16th in Cincinnati, Ohio has offered the best gas-operations training since 1923. This annual event is attended by employees at all levels of the natural gas industry. Onboard Dynamics staff will be exhibiting at booth #506 sharing information about our GoVAC® system.  

About Our GoVAC® technology

The GoVAC® FLEX system

Our GoVAC® technology is an alternative to venting or flaring natural gas from pipelines. Our core technology can draw down a pipeline to near 0 PSIG using the natural gas in the pipeline as its source of power. The recovered gas can then be transferred into an adjoining pipeline or compressed up to 3600 PSIG and put into a tube trailer for transport and reinjection elsewhere or into a storage tank to be used as CNG fuel for vehicles. Since the GoVAC® system is powered by a small portion of the natural gas being recovered, no external power is required making it easy to use in remote areas. Its compact size facilitates flexibility in transport and positioning at job sites, which is perfect for residential and challenging locations.

An operator inspects a GoVAC® FLEX unit on site.

Our automated system is fully equipped with state-of-the-art telemetry and instrumentation including temperature and pressure sensors, electronic valves, and flow meters that measure how much natural gas is being captured and recovered. The control system communicates up to the cloud which enables remote system monitoring and near real-time data collection capabilities.

Our GoVAC® system provides environmental reports that contain asset-grade data ensuring traceability, transparency, and compliance at scale.

This ability is a huge benefit to not only the pipeline operator, but to any associated auditing agency. Accurate and secure data reporting will become ever more important as companies seek to fulfill current and future regulations and environmental initiatives.

Stop by Booth #506

Visitors to our exhibit will be able to ask questions about our technology and receive in-depth information about how our products and solutions can help them meet their company ESG goals.

About The 2023 MEA Gas Operations Technical & Leadership Summit

The MEA is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Gas Operations & Leadership Summit. The event takes place in Cincinnati, OH and is attended by people of all backgrounds and levels within gas operations. The summit is going to have 2 keynote presentations and more than 600 utilities, contractors, and vendor partners present. Within the summit there are numerous breakout rooms for technical and hands on learning sessions.

About MEA Energy Association

The MEA is a trade association that serves the people that deliver electricity and natural gas to homes and businesses. The association was founded 115 years ago by distribution utilities whose vision was to improve safety and efficiency. Today, the MEA fulfills the same purpose through education, leadership development, and industry connections. The MEA provides numerous benefits to companies in the energy industry through mediating numerous summits, roundtables, webinars, online courses, and much more. This allows industry to adopt safer and more efficient practices.

Onboard Dynamics Exhibiting at The Global Energy Show

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The Global Energy Show is North America’s leading energy event. Onboard Dynamics will be exhibiting the GoVAC® FLEX system at booth #1677 Exhibit Hall B-E in the Decarbonization Zone. The Conference and Exhibition will take place on June 13th-15th in Calgary, Canada.

The Onboard Dynamics team exhibiting a GoVAC®FLEX system.

About the GoVAC FLEX® System

The GoVAC® FLEX system is an innovative tool for preventing methane emissions during pipeline operations. The core technology can draw down a pipeline to near 0 psig using the natural gas in the pipeline as its source of power. The recovered gas can then be transferred into an adjoining pipeline or compressed up to 3600 psig and put into a tube trailer for transport and reinjection elsewhere or into a storage tank to be used as CNG fuel for vehicles. Since the GoVAC® system is powered by a small portion of the natural gas being recovered, no external power is required making it easy to use in remote areas. Its compact size facilitates flexibility in transport and positioning at job sites, which is perfect for residential and challenging locations.

The automated system is fully equipped with state-of-the-art telemetry and instrumentation including temperature and pressure sensors, electronic valves, and flow meters that measure how much natural gas is being captured and recovered. The control system communicates up to the cloud which enables remote system monitoring and near real-time data collection capabilities. Operators receive environmental reports that contain accurate and verified project results with the option of being third-party certified.

About CHZERO

CHZero Emissions performs pipeline evacuation services across the natural gas network. This company focuses on eliminating CO2 emissions wherever pipeline maintenance is performed. Using innovative Near-Zero Emissions Cross-Compression services (CCaS) that conserve ~100% of natural gas that would be vented or flared into the atmosphere otherwise. CHZero is a partner of Onboard Dynamics, using the GoVAC® FLEX platform to ensure that methane emissions are mitigated during pipeline blowdowns.  

About the Global Energy Show

The Global Energy Show is North America’s largest Business to business (B2B) exhibition and conference. The conference is inclusive of all energy systems including oil sands, hydrogen, wind, solar, petrochemicals, gas and LNG, electrification and nuclear. The event connects a wide array of energy verticals, bringing together the North American energy industry at all levels. The event allows companies to meet with energy industry experts and get networking opportunities. Guests can engage with investors, industry buyers, sellers, CEOs, and local communities all while staying under one roof.  The Global Energy Show features a comprehensive exhibition floor with over 600 exhibitors across five exhibition halls and an outdoor zone.