Reducing Methane Emissions with the Kinitics KVA38 Actuator: A Technological Advancement for Energy Industry Challenges

*KVA38 Actuator installed at Tourmaline’s Edson Facility for a comprehensive 3-month evaluation period.*

Methane venting reductions from the oil and gas sector continue to be a key focus in the industry’s pursuit of lower emissions. Both Canada and the U.S. have set ambitious targets to reduce methane emissions in the sector, with Canada aiming for a 75% reduction from 2012 levels by 2030. In line with these regulations, Kinitics Automation has developed the KVA38 valve actuator as part of a technology-driven approach to help the natural gas industry reduce methane emissions and meet stringent regulatory standards. The KVA38 recently completed a live field demonstration, recording over 10,000 cycles and 161 days of operation with no unintentional shutdowns, showcasing their proven reliability in real-world applications.

Kinitics Automation’s KVA38: A Reliable Solution for Emissions Reduction

The Kinitics KVA38 electric actuator is designed to reduce methane emissions at natural gas production sites, offering a practical alternative to traditional pneumatic and electric valve actuation systems. The shape memory alloy (SMA) technology in the KVA38 provides a dependable solution for ensuring valves close properly in emergency situations, such as power failures or signal loss, which is vital in remote environments where natural gas facilities often operate. Unlike complex motorized actuators, the KVA38’s single moving part reduces wear and tear, significantly lowering maintenance costs and enhancing reliability.

This KVA38 Actuator was developed through collaboration with the NGIF Accelerator and academic partners, as part of the Emissions Testing Centre (ETC) program.

*Figure 1: One of the Tourmaline ETC testing facilities – an operating natural gas multi-well pad hosting the Kinitics KVA38.*

Successful Field Testing of Kinitics KVA38 Actuators: Demonstrating Effectiveness

Kinitics valve actuators were installed at a remote natural gas wellsite near Edson, Alberta, owned by Tourmaline Oil Corp., as part of a field demonstration coordinated through the ETC program. Three KVA38 actuators were deployed to control key valves in a multi-phase separator system over a period of four months, exceeding the initial three-month test period. During this time, the actuators recorded over 10,000 cycles without any unintentional shutdowns, demonstrating their reliability in the field.

*Operational parameters of the Kinitics KVA38 actuators in the field demonstration*

Two KVA38 actuators controlled produced water and condensate dump valves, responding to simple on/off signals to release fluids when a preset level was reached in the separator tank. Over 10,000 actuations were performed, accumulating 4,406 cycles for the water dump valve and 5,787 cycles for the condensate dump valve.

Additionally, a third KVA38 controlled a backpressure control valve, adjusting its position to maintain pressure differentials between the separator tank and downstream systems. Communicating via Modbus RTU, the actuator provided real-time operational data to operators, including position, status, runtime, and fault detection, ensuring optimal performance. Data for this report was collected by the operator’s SCADA system and accessed remotely via a cloud platform. Findings were verified with physical site visits.

*Figure 2: Kinitics Automation’s KVA38, commercial control valve actuator using shape memory alloy technology, in process at a Tourmaline natural gas well pad facility, as part of the ETC program.*

*Figure 3: Sample signal recording of commands to the condensate dump valve actuator, 24hrs.*

Testing Success and Implications for the Natural Gas Industry

The success of the Kinitics KVA38 in reducing methane emissions during the demonstration validates its potential as a viable solution for natural gas operators aiming to meet both regulatory and operational requirements. The results highlight the KVA38’s reliability in reducing methane emissions, minimizing downtime, and improving efficiency, all of which are essential factors in meeting regulatory standards and enhancing operational performance.

Looking Ahead: Kinitics’ Continued Innovation in Process Control Technologies

Kinitics Automation continues to focus on developing innovative solutions that help natural gas producers meet methane reduction targets and enhance operational efficiency. The company’s role in the ETC program is part of a broader effort to advance technology solutions for the energy sector. As the industry works towards environmental goals, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, collaboration between government bodies, industry leaders, and technological innovators remains a critical component in achieving meaningful emissions reductions. Kinitics Automation is committed to supporting these efforts with its innovative actuator technology, which provides a practical solution for non-emitting process control.

This case study was written by Ryan Gibson, Product Manager – Kinitics Automation Limited

View the NGIF-Tourmaline Technical Demonstration Report

Acknowledgements:

This KVA38 Actuator was developed through collaboration with the NGIF Accelerator and academic partners, as part of the Industry Grants and Emissions Testing Centre (ETC) programs with additional financial support from the Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN), Emission Reduction Alberta (ERA), and the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP).

Supported in part by advisory services and research and development funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program.