Tell us about the evolution of Ecotec’s activities and focus
For over three decades, Ecotec has been at the forefront of gas analysis instrumentation, shaping the industry with its innovative solutions for methane emitting environments. Founded in the United States, Ecotec initially focused on landfill and biogas applications before expanding its expertise to natural gas distribution and, more recently, to the oil and gas sector. This evolution reflects a broader industry shift towards more comprehensive and effective methane management strategies, driven by regulatory changes and operational needs.
Ecotec’s journey began with a singular focus on the challenges of landfill and biogas management. The company quickly established itself as a leader in gas analysis instrumentation, developing tools that helped industries monitor and manage methane emissions in compliance with regulatory requirements. Over the years, Ecotec expanded its product offerings and geographical reach, responding to the growing demand for sophisticated emission management solutions. This led the company to enter the utility and gas distribution industry over 25 years ago and more recently into the upstream and midstream energy sector.
Having spent three decades working across all of the major methane emitting environments across the US and globally, Ecotec has had the opportunity to pull together best practices and new technologies that elevate the solutions available across all stakeholders. This breadth of experience has positioned Ecotec as a trusted partner in both regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
At the Permian Energy Dialogues, you’ll be discussing emissions including insights related to OOOOb emissions, WEC and the impact of the IRA on the methane emissions landscape – can you anticipate to our readers some of your thoughts and considerations in this regard?
As environmental regulations around methane emissions have become more stringent, Ecotec has remained at the cutting edge of technological innovation. The company’s ability to adapt to new regulatory requirements is exemplified by its development of products tailored to specific regulatory standards.
One notable example is the company’s response to the OOOOb regulations in the oil and gas industry. These regulations mandate the measurement and quantification of methane emissions from packing vents on compressors. In response, Ecotec developed a bespoke tool designed specifically for this application. This tool, while initially focused on compressors, has proven versatile for other applications, including monitoring idle, orphan, and abandoned wells and directly measuring total methane emissions from non-compressor components.
The OOOOb regulations represent a significant shift in the industry’s approach to emissions management. Previously, regulations around packing vent changes were less stringent and focused on compressor run-time. Under the new rules, operators must measure methane emissions from each packing vent annually, and if emissions exceed a specified threshold, packing changes are required. This shift underscores the increasing emphasis on precise measurements and timely interventions to mitigate environmental impact.
In addition to addressing OOOOb regulations, Ecotec’s technology aligns with requirements set forth by the IRA and WEC under Subpart W. The company’s focus on tunable diode laser-based technology allows for highly accurate and efficient emissions measurement. The Gazoscan, an open path laser system, is particularly notable for its ability to detect methane leaks from a distance of up to 330 feet with high sensitivity. This tool provides operators with the capability to identify and quantify emissions across a range of components, facilitating compliance with evolving regulatory standards including empirical measurements for the Waste Emissions Charge.
How would you rate the investments that operators across the oil and gas value chain are committing to, when it comes to emissions monitoring?
The process of investing in emissions management technology is complex and varies significantly among operators. Factors such as individual company needs, geographical considerations and operational practices all play a role in shaping investment decisions. Ecotec’s approach to this process involves understanding each customer’s unique journey and providing tailored solutions that meet their specific needs.
Ecotec’s emphasis on field-based products allows potential clients to test and evaluate technology in real-world conditions. By providing hands-on demonstrations, the company helps operators understand how its tools can deliver tangible benefits, such as time and cost savings. This practical approach is central to Ecotec’s sales process, as it allows customers to see firsthand how the technology can enhance their operations.
Investment decisions are often driven by the ability of technology to deliver measurable benefits. In this context, Ecotec’s tools are designed to provide not only compliance with regulatory requirements but also operational efficiencies. By demonstrating the value of its products in real-world scenarios, Ecotec helps operators make informed decisions about their investments in emissions management technology.
How has the industry’s approach to emissions management and reduction shifted over the years?
Over the past few years, the industry has experienced a significant shift in its approach to methane emissions management. Initially, the focus was on identifying and quantifying emissions, with various technologies employed to assess the scale and impact of the problem. This phase was characterized by a flurry of activity, with operators, regulators, and technology providers working to understand the extent of methane emissions and their implications.
As the industry has progressed, the focus has shifted towards finding effective solutions to address and resolve those previously identified problems. This transition reflects a broader trend towards integrating methane emissions management into operational decision-making processes. Operators are now more interested in technologies that not only detect emissions but also provide actionable insights for mitigating their impact.
Ecotec has been at the forefront of this shift, with its technology designed to go beyond problem identification. The company’s tools are designed to provide detailed information about specific leaks, including their location and severity. This capability allows operators to address issues proactively, reducing the risk of costly emergency shutdowns and other adverse events.
For instance, Ecotec’s Gazoscan and Inspectra tools offer more than just detection capabilities. They provide operators with detailed data that can be used to make informed decisions about maintenance and repairs. By identifying specific leaks and assessing their severity, Ecotec’s technology helps operators implement preventative measures and optimize their operations rather than resorting to costly and inefficient unplanned shutdowns. Oftentimes, the leaks identified by these tools are leading indicators of future operational issues with equipment. By connecting the methane emission to a future asset issue, operators are able to reduce downtime, potential safety hazards, and make planned maintenance decisions at a convenient time.
Could you share any examples of current or past partnerships with operators which have produced successful and fruitful results?
Ecotec’s impact on the industry is best illustrated through its success stories. These case studies highlight how the company’s technology has helped operators address complex challenges and achieve significant improvements in their operations.
One notable use case involves often missed methane leaks around compressor engines. Frequently, leaks around this source are difficult to identify using traditional methods such as an OGI, and often missed. By utilizing an open-path laser such as Ecotec’s Gazoscan, operators can scan compressor engines in a matter of minutes to detect if there is a methane leak. These leaks were located near ignition sources, generally the starter, posing serious safety risks and potential operational disruptions. By detecting these issues early, Ecotec helped the operator avoid costly thermal events and maintain continuous operations.
Another case study highlights the effectiveness of the Gazoscan for preventative maintenance on compressors and engines. An operator implemented the tool to streamline their maintenance processes and reduce labor hours. The results were striking: maintenance times were reduced from 40 minutes to under 10 minutes, and the operator experienced zero thermal events over 12 months after adopting the tool and the operational procedures. This success story underscores the value of Ecotec’s technology in enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.
What do you expect from the Permian Energy Dialogues in terms of discussions, networking and overall learning experience?
As Ecotec prepares to participate in the upcoming Permian Energy Dialogues, the company is looking forward to engaging with industry leaders, regulators, and technology providers. The event promises to be a valuable opportunity for networking, learning, and discussing the latest developments in methane emissions management.
The Permian Energy Dialogues will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including operators, vendors, and regulators. This unique mix of perspectives is expected to foster rich discussions about the challenges and opportunities in the methane emissions landscape. With recent regulatory changes reshuffling the industry, the event provides a timely forum for exploring new strategies and solutions.
Ecotec anticipates that the discussions at the event will focus on the integration of new regulatory requirements with practical, cost-effective solutions. The company is particularly interested in exploring how different technologies can be combined to achieve the best outcomes for operators. By engaging with other stakeholders, Ecotec aims to contribute to the development of durable and sustainable solutions that balance environmental impact with operational efficiency.
