System and method for capturing and utilizing fugitive combustible gases during natural gas production
AssigneeOasis Emission Consultants, Inc.
InventorGregory Hunter
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for capturing, monitoring, and utilizing fugitive combustible gases from natural gas compressors and engines. The system comprises collection points for capturing gases from multiple sources, a filtration system, a control valve, a programmable logic controller for monitoring and control, and an engine air intake system for utilizing the gases as supplementary fuel. Advanced safety features and comprehensive data logging capabilities are included. The invention reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improves fuel efficiency, and facilitates regulatory compliance in natural gas production facilities. It offers seamless integration with existing equipment and real-time performance optimization through a human-machine interface.
Claims16
A system for capturing and utilizing fugitive combustible gases, comprising:
- a) a plurality of collection points configured to capture fugitive gases from multiple sources in a natural gas production facility;
- b) a filtration system configured to remove contaminants from the captured fugitive gases;
- c) a control valve configured to regulate flow of the filtered fugitive gases;
- d) a programmable logic controller (PLC) configured to monitor and control the system;
- e) an engine air intake system comprising a dynamic mixing nozzle configured to receive and mix the filtered fugitive gases as a supplementary fuel source with incoming air;
- f) a data logging system configured to record operational parameters and emissions data;
- g) a regulatory compliance module configured to:
- calculate methane emissions reduction based on the captured fugitive gases;
- generate compliance reports for environmental regulations including NSPS OOOO b/c and MERP requirements;
- and
- track emissions data for Waste Emissions Charge (WEC) calculations;
- and
- h) a real-time monitoring interface configured to:
- display calculated greenhouse gas metrics;
- provide emissions tracking data;
- and
- enable adjustment of system parameters based on emissions data.
A method for capturing and utilizing fugitive combustible gases in a natural gas production facility, comprising:
- a) capturing fugitive gases from multiple sources within the facility;
- b) filtering the captured fugitive gases to remove contaminants;
- c) monitoring flow rates and pressures of the filtered fugitive gases;
- d) introducing the filtered fugitive gases into an engine air intake system as a supplementary fuel source;
- e) continuously monitoring engine parameters and emissions data;
- f) logging operational data for regulatory compliance and system optimization
- g) calculating methane emissions reduction based on the captured fugitive gases;
- h) generating compliance reports for environmental regulations including NSPS OOOO b/c and MERP requirements;
- and
- i) tracking emissions data for Waste Emissions Charge (WEC) calculations.
A control system for managing fugitive combustible gases in a natural gas production facility, comprising:
- a) a programmable logic controller (PLC) configured to monitor and control the flow of captured fugitive gases;
- b) a human-machine interface (HMI) configured to display real-time system performance data and allow operator control;
- c) a plurality of sensors configured to measure gas flow rates, pressures, and engine parameters;
- d) a control valve configured to regulate the flow of fugitive gases into an engine air intake system;
- e) a data logging system configured to record operational parameters and emissions data;
- f) a compliance tracking module configured to:
- monitor methane emissions in accordance with regulatory thresholds;
- calculate emissions reduction credits;
- and
- generate regulatory compliance reports;
- and
- g) an environmental impact calculation system configured to:
- quantify greenhouse gas reductions from captured gases;
- track emissions data for regulatory fee calculations;
- and
- generate exportable compliance documentation.
A system for capturing and utilizing fugitive combustible gases, comprising:
- a) a plurality of collection points configured to capture fugitive gases;
- b) a programmable logic controller (PLC) configured to:
- monitor real-time gas flow rates and pressures;
- calculate greenhouse gas metrics;
- and
- adjust system parameters based on emissions data;
- c) a data logging system configured to:
- record operational parameters at per-second intervals;
- generate daily exportable data files;
- and
- track methane emissions for regulatory compliance;
- and
- d) a regulatory compliance module configured to:
- monitor compliance with NSPS OOOO b/c emission limits;
- calculate Waste Emissions Charge (WEC) fees;
- and
- generate documentation for environmental regulations.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.