Qube’s Continuous Monitoring Uncovers Blocked Vent Line: Emissions Drop 80% at Colorado Wellsite
Introduction
At a Colorado wellsite, Qube’s continuous monitoring system alerted operators to a sustained emission event. Qube’s data localized the emissions to the tank area and prompted a field investigation to verify the source of the anomaly. With this information, the team was able to identify the emission source and interrogate the root cause, a blocked vent line leading to the combustor.
Challenge
Operators observed sustained methane levels above baseline, with no clear explanation at the time. Qube’s continuous monitoring revealed data that didn’t align with expected throughput, suggesting gas was escaping unnoticed. The operator needed to locate and resolve the leak before it triggered compliance concerns, product loss and confirm that critical equipment was functioning properly.
Qube’s Solution
Qube’s dashboard localized the emissions to the tank area in the southwest. During inspection, field crews found all 6 of the operational tanks were pressured up and venting from hatches and a few pressure release valves on the closed vent.
At the same time, the operator reviewed the flowmeter data from the SCADA system. This showed the same volume daily for the past 30 days. The analysis led to identification of a block in the closed vent line leading to the combustor.
A dashboard map view of the wellsite with emissions localized to the tank area in the southwest area. Qube’s continuous monitoring distinguishes emission sources and, here, tank 5 is identified as the main source of methane emissions. The upper right panel presents combustor flowmeter data from the SCADA system. The wide swings in the flowmeter data are consistent with the periods of high emissions detected by Qube’s devices.
Results
The field team initiated repairs and emissions dropped back to baseline levels. Overall, they observed an 80% drop in emissions from April to May. With Qube’s continuous monitoring solution, the operator was able to detect excess emissions, locate the source and verify the repairs were successfully completed.
Following repairs, methane emissions dropped by 80% from April to May.
Takeaway for Operators
Continuous monitoring is a proven technology for reducing emissions and optimizing operational performance.
Reach out today to learn more about Qube Technologies’ continuous monitoring solution and talk to one of our specialists today.
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