Onboard Dynamics

Unique, Patented Natural Gas Compression Technology for Driving Down Emissions

Pipeline Evacuation

Use Case: Adding a Valve During a Pipeline Intervention in Belgium

by

Adding a Valve During a Pipeline Intervention

Onstream Pipeline Solutions (OPS) successfully utilized Onboard Dynamics’ (OBD) GoVAC® FLEX System to perform pipeline maintenance on a distribution line operated by a major Belgian network company. This use-case highlights the process of adding a valve during a pipeline intervention, showcasing OPS’s expertise in maintaining pipeline integrity and efficiency. This was a live project performed for demonstration purposes.

Onboard Dynamics environmental impact report
The Environmental Impact Report for This Project

Key Details

  • The pipeline owner and operator: A major Belgian network company, active in all Flemish cities and municipalities with approximately 5800 colleagues. 
  • OPS Technicians: Execute the valve installation.
  • OBD Technician: Performs the pipeline evacuation.
  • Location: Knokke-Heist, Belgium
  • Date: October 22, 2024
  • Pipeline Length: 300 meters
  • Pipeline Diameter: 10 inches
  • Total Natural Gas Evacuated: 3,257.65 SCF
  • Net Natural Gas Recovered: 1.64 MT CO2e

Process

Jeramy Cummings, the Operations Manager at Onboard Dynamics, shown here training OPS technicians to operate the GoVAC® FLEX System.
Jeramy Cummings, the Operations Manager at Onboard Dynamics, shown here training OPS technicians to operate the GoVAC® FLEX System.
  • Preparation: The operations team reviews the plan.
  • Evacuation: The pipeline is safely evacuated using the GoVAC® FLEX System, ensuring no residual gas remains.
  • Valve Installation: The OPS technician installs the valve, adhering to operational safety guidelines.
  • Re-pressurization: The pipeline is carefully re-pressurized, restoring operational capacity.
  • Documentation: The gas recovery process is documented by the system and provides metrics for the project for current and future reference.

Benefits

  • Efficiency: The GoVAC® FLEX System streamlines the process of evacuating natural gas from the pipeline, minimizing downtime.
  • Safety: The GoVAC® FLEX System is equipped with remote operations monitoring and communications.
  • Environmental Impact: The GoVAC® FLEX System prevents methane releases to the atmosphere contributing to reduced emissions and effective gas management during pipeline operations.
The GoVAC® FLEX System can operate in tight-fitting locations easily and quietly.
The GoVAC® FLEX System can operate in tight-fitting locations easily and quietly.

Conclusion

Successfully using the GoVAC® FLEX System to prevent methane releases into the atmosphere during pipeline evacuation demonstrates the owner and operator’s commitment to a sustainable energy infrastructure. It also exemplifies OPS’s technological leadership and commitment to customer-focused solutions in pipeline management.

With certified technicians and a fleet of well-maintained equipment, OPS continues to set the standard for operational excellence in the industry.

Best Advancement in Maintenance Technology: The GoVAC® MAX System

by

Best Advancement in Maintenance Technology: The GoVAC® MAX System

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.

Best Advancement in Maintenance Technology: The GoVAC® MAX System

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 for automated data capture.
The GoVAC® Control System provides for automated data capture and remote monitoring.

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.

Cross compression of a natural gas pipeline
Cross compression, also known as recompression, of a natural gas pipeline

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.

Methane Mitigation: The Value of Precise Reporting

by

Methane Mitigation: The Value of Precise Reporting

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.

Dan Pedersen, Director of Engineering, Onboard Dynamics
Dan Pedersen, Director of Engineering, Onboard Dynamics

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

by

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 21st
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.

Podcast: Methane Capture vs. Methane Venting

by

Rick Kay, COO of Onboard Dynamics, is the guest speaker on the Pipeliner’s Podcast Network. The host, Russel Treat will be having a conversation with Rick about methane capture vs. methane venting and discusses the methane capture process including the necessary tools and equipment needed, the pros and cons it has against methane venting, and how commonly it is used throughout the industry.

This is an important conversation during a time when pipeline operators are showing a growing interest in adapting new technology solutions and operating practices to reduce methane releases during pipeline operations and maintenance. 

Episode 259: Methane Capture vs. Methane Venting with Rick Kay

The podcast goes over how Onboard Dynamics got started and how their technology evolved from natural gas fleet refueling to pipeline evacuation.  There is a segment that describes how the GoVAC FLEX technology works and lists the benefits of using it like how it is self-contained and doesn’t need an outside fuel source to operate. Instead, it uses a small portion of the natural gas to run while performing an evacuation project. The podcast also details out the importance of the safe and secure environmental data that is gathered for reporting on emissions particularly in a time when growing regulations, public scrutiny and environmental stewardship are shaping the future of pipeline maintenance.   

The European Union Elevates the Essential Role of Natural Gas

by

Nordstream 2 pipeline from Russia to Germany
Nordstream 2 pipeline from Russia to Germany

In our last blog posting, we discussed the important role of natural gas in achieving national de-carbonization goals in the US. A few days ago, EU authorities issued a statement making this same point for European countries. Part of its statement is “there is a role for natural gas and nuclear as a means to facilitate the transition towards a predominantly renewable-based future.” This position sets the stage to allow investments in natural gas development and infrastructure to be classified as “sustainable investments” under policies that will guide future energy investments within the EU.

Part of the back story on this new EU position is the fact that Europe is facing a winter of energy insecurity:  much higher energy prices and, at the same time, potential energy shortages. A January 4, 2022, article in Bloomberg Businessweek, “Europe Sleepwalked into an Energy Crisis That Could Last Years”, describes the complex of forces that has contributed to this tense situation. In recent years, developers underinvested in new natural gas projects out of concern that these investments would become “stranded” by evolving EU investment criteria and environmental regulations. Imports of LNG (primarily from the US) were tight because other countries, especially those in Asia, were also competing for these supplies to meet growing demand as economies emerged from pandemic shutdowns. Russian gas supplier Gazprom started to limit supplies to Europe, some would say to force agreement (over resistance from the US) to complete the new $11 billion Nord Stream 2 pipeline from Russia to Germany.

These supply constraints have had two damaging results: gas prices are up 400% from the previous year and gas in storage for winter use is down to 56% of capacity (down 15% from normal). These forces are in play at the same time that Germany has shut down three of its remaining six nuclear powerplants (the three remaining plants will be shut by the end of 2022), thereby increasing the need for natural gas (or dirty lignite coal) right in time for the coldest months of the year.

Preventing similar shortfalls in the US will be a challenge for us also unless we fully understand and capitalize on the economic and environmental benefits of having a robust, reliable gas pipeline infrastructure. We’ll be exploring the issues and opportunities of this challenge in the months ahead so that we do not find ourselves facing the same challenges as Europe does today.