TACKLING METHANE EMISSIONS FROM PNEUMATIC CONTROLLERS
A major component of remote, automated control of oil and natural gas industry facilities is the operation of control valves. These valves have historically been powered or actuated by natural gas through pneumatic controllers that release small amounts of methane and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere. Converting natural gas-driven pneumatics to non-gas driven alternatives was recognized by TEP members as one of the best, voluntary actions companies could take to reduce their methane emissions when TEP launched in 2017. As a founding member of TEP, Chevron’s collaboration with Kathairos Solutions to reduce pneumatic emissions embodies the TEP principles of taking action on methane mitigation solutions and then sharing these solution learnings with other operators at TEP workshops and other networking events. Chevron has extensive operations within the Denver-Julesburg basin covering a vast geographic area and supporting the production of over 400,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. Kathairos helped Chevron execute their largest methane emissions reduction project of 2024 in Colorado. Over the course of a few months, Kathairos delivered and installed cryogenic liquid nitrogen tank technology at over 250 Chevron sites, converting over 5,500 gas-driven pneumatic devices to a non gas driven solution. Chevron’s journey toward a lower carbon future is a narrative of action through trialing technologies in its operations, working with partners to advance measurement and mitigation tools, and sharing best practices with industry. The integration of Kathairos’ technology into Chevron’s Colorado operations is just one such testament to how TEP operators take action with innovative technology to reduce their methane emissions.