Kinitics Automation Provides Solutions to Regulator Challenges for Methane Emission Reductions in the Natural Gas Sector
Published by Valve World Americas Magazine – June 3, 2024
VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA — June 21, 2024 — Mitigating methane emissions is rapidly becoming a global priority in the quest for environmental sustainability. Collaborative efforts between academia and industry are propelling technological advancements aimed at reducing these emissions. These initiatives, driven by stringent new environmental regulations, reflect a robust commitment to tackling a critical global environmental challenge.
As nations worldwide strive for environmental sustainability, the battle to curb methane emissions represents a crucial frontier of innovation. Methane mitigation has been recognized as a swift and effective strategy for emission reduction. In response, programs like the Emissions Testing Centre (ETC)—a collaboration among the NGIF Accelerator, Tourmaline Oil Corp., and the University of Calgary—are at the forefront, supporting research and development to lower methane emissions.
An aerial view of an Emissions Testing Centre – an operating natural gas multi-well pad hosting the Kinitics KVA38, an electric valve actuator utilizing shape memory alloy technology.
The ETC program partners with cleantech startups to test and validate advanced methane reduction technologies. Emphasizing practical applications and results, the program aims to drive the development and adoption of technologies that can significantly impact environmental management practices. This initiative fosters a collaborative environment, merging academic research with industry expertise to rigorously evaluate and refine these innovations.
The drive towards stringent methane regulations is not only an environmental imperative but also a catalyst for industry innovation. Recent announcements at the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference underscore this, with the Canadian and U.S. governments outlining ambitious plans to cut methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 75% and nearly 80%, respectively, by 2030. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Canadian federal government have introduced new regulations mandating zero emissions from process controllers, reflecting a paradigm shift in regulatory standards.
The ETC program has played a pivotal role in advancing emissions-free valve actuation solutions, particularly through the development and commercialization of a control valve actuator utilizing shape memory alloy (SMA) technology. This innovation promises significant benefits over traditional electric solutions, offering reliable performance under challenging conditions while reducing maintenance needs.
Kinitics Automation 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.
Looking ahead, the path to environmental sustainability is paved with innovation and strategic collaboration. Recent funding from Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) to the NGIF Accelerator’s ETC program highlights a substantial commitment to advancing clean technology. This collective effort not only propels the natural gas industry towards environmental compliance but also positions it as a leader in the global shift towards sustainable energy.
