NGIF Supports Kinitics’ Successful Trial of KVA38 Actuator to Reduce Methane Emissions
Kinitics Automation, a Vancouver-based company, has successfully completed its project to reduce methane emissions in natural gas production facilities, supported by NGIF Accelerator’s Industry Grants program.
The project focused on the KVA38, a spring-loaded electric valve actuator designed to eliminate methane venting from production wells. Utilizing advanced shape memory alloy technology, the KVA38 is fully electric, offering high reliability and minimal maintenance, which contributes to lower costs compared to conventional motor-operated valve actuators and instrument air pneumatics.
Field demonstrations were conducted at a remote natural gas wellsite near Edson, Alberta, owned by Tourmaline Oil Corp., as part of the NGIF Emissions Testing Centre (ETC) Program. Three KVA38 actuators were deployed to control key valves in a multi-phase separator system. The actuators demonstrated exceptional performance, recording over 10,000 cycles and 160 days of operation without causing any unintentional shutdowns.
The KVA38 is now commercially available to the North American market and certified for use in both regular and challenging locations. With options for AC or DC power and various stroke length configurations, the product can mount to a range of globe valves and service a range of energy sector applications, including separation and artificial lift.
This achievement marks a significant milestone toward reducing emissions in the Canadian natural gas sector, showcasing how innovation can lead to tangible results in enhancing environmental performance and operational efficiency.
