MethaneTrack™
MethaneTrack™ is an Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) system that enables companies to cost-effectively meet their emission reduction goals by accurately locating and quantifying methane emissions. MethaneTrack™ automates the emissions detection, quantification, and reporting process with high security, cloud-based software. MethaneTrack™ utilizes Close-Proximity Continuous Monitoring™, a breakthrough approach that allows detection and elimination of fugitive and operational emissions.
Automated Methane Emission Detection
MethaneTrack™ offers a cost-effective network of robust monitoring points called "endpoints" designed to accurately measure methane emissions. It not only monitors emissions 24/7/365 but also utilizes cloud-based software to swiftly report the location and emission rate of any leaks to operators, enabling a prioritized response to meet emission reduction goals and comply with regulatory requirements.
Low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
MethaneTrack™ utilizes battery powered wireless endpoints, and can be mounted on existing infrastructure. The low-power, small form factor eliminates wiring costs and solar panel costs, and expensive installation. Embedded MPS™ sensors in the endpoints are intrinsically safe, programmable for multiple gases, do not poison, do not drift, do not require field calibration, and have a demonstrated 15-year life.
Automated Emissions Tracking
MethaneTrack™ software running in the cloud simplifies the process of reducing emissions by identifying and quantifying leaks and tracking progress. In addition to sending alerts to the repair team, the software displays the emission events and automatically tabulates the emissions to reduce the cost of tracking and reporting results. MethaneTrack™ is cloud agnostic and can expose leak data via a secure, private REST API.
MethaneTrack™ Overview
MethaneTrack™ is a comprehensive Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) system used to detect, quantify, and analyze methane emissions for upstream, midstream, and downstream oil and gas operations. This real-time monitoring system integrates rugged industrial hardware with high security cloud-based software to quickly detect leaks, enable rapid repair and reduce methane emissions. It eliminates the time and expense of manual monitoring to economically meet increasingly stringent regulatory requirements and to help companies meet their methane reduction goals.
The following features make MethaneTrack™ highly cost effective for oil and gas operators:
- Automated 24/7/365 leak detection for rapid detection of emissions
- Reliable low-cost electronics for optimal Return-On-Investment
- Rapid installation on existing infrastructure – no disruption of production or expensive infrastructure projects
- Automated data analysis pushes alerts to the repair team, enabling rapid repairs to minimize emissions
- Comprehensive emissions reports save time and money by automating the emissions tracking process
MethaneTrack™ Hardware
MethaneTrack™ consists of an array of compact, battery-powered sensor modules called “endpoints” that measure the methane concentrations across the site and send encrypted data to an on-site gateway that transmits the data to the cloud for analysis. The endpoints use the industry standard, low power LoRa (Long Range) radios for reliable communication in the field. A LoRa enabled anemometer is also part of the MethaneTrack™ system, supplying wind data that allows the system to calculate and display the location and size of the methane leak. Both the endpoint and anemometer run on battery power enabling rapid, low-cost installation and long life. Typically, a junior technician can install a system in two hours or less. The gateway transmits the encrypted data to the cloud via cellular, satellite, Wi-Fi or ethernet connections.
MethaneTrack™ Software
The MethaneTrack™ system includes time saving cloud software that automatically analyzes the data from the field to enable leak repair and emissions tracking. The software features:
- High security software prioritizing robust encryption, multi-factor authentication, and stringent access controls to ensure the protection of sensitive data.
- Automated leak analysis using “Close-Proximity, Continuous Monitoring™” and Leak Source Isolation™ algorithms to determine the location and size of leaks.
- User customizable alert settings to notify company personnel of emissions.
- Automatic calculations of emissions volume for individual leaks as well as total emission volumes for individual sites, regions, countries, and the enterprise.
- Features to separately track fugitive and operational emissions to improve understanding of emission types and aid operational improvements.
- Data output features to enable integration with existing enterprise tools.
- User configurable reports enabling the system to integrate with existing processes and procedures.
NevadaNano uses proprietary cloud-based technology called Leak Source Isolation™ (LSI™) to assemble, integrate and arbitrate the time-series sensor readings and anemometer data coming from the field and calculate the location and size of the emission. The user interface displays the results, and the software transmits alerts per user specified settings. The two images below show the top level of the cloud dashboard and the results of Leak Source Isolation™ with clear quantification of the presence, location, and size of the gas leaks.
"Close-Proximity Continuous Monitoring™": Enhancing Safety with Intrinsically Safe Design
MethaneTrack™ is your ideal solution for close proximity continuous monitoring in hazardous environments. Thanks to its intrinsically safe design and compliance with Class 1, Division 1 (Div 1) and ATEX Zone 0 standards, MethaneTrack™ is the perfect choice for installation near leak sources to optimize the detection and quantification of leaks.
Intrinsically Safe Endpoints
Intrinsically safe design means that MethaneTrack™ is engineered to prevent the release of electrical or thermal energy that could ignite flammable gases or vapors in potentially explosive atmospheres. This design ensures that the sensor itself does not pose an ignition risk, making it the perfect choice for close proximity monitoring in environments where safety is paramount.
IECEx Class 1, Division 1 Certified
Class 1, Division 1 is a designation that signifies the presence of flammable gases or vapors under normal operating conditions. MethaneTrack™ operates safely in these challenging conditions, providing continuous monitoring without the risk of ignition.
ATEX Zone 0 Certification
In compliance with ATEX Zone 0 standards, MethaneTrack™ is approved for use in the most hazardous atmospheres where explosive gas or vapor concentrations are consistently present. This certification assures that Close-Proximity Continuous Monitoring™ can be conducted without compromising the safety of your workforce or operations.
By choosing MethaneTrack™ for “Close-Proximity Continuous Monitoring™”, you gain a powerful tool to enhance safety and environmental protection. Its intrinsically safe, Class 1, Division 1, and ATEX Zone 0 compliant design allows you to maintain vigilance in areas where methane gas or other hazardous substances are present. With MethaneTrack™, you can continuously monitor conditions, prevent incidents, and ensure the well-being of your personnel, all while maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance. Trust in MethaneTrack™ for the ultimate in close proximity monitoring and hazard mitigation.
METHANETRACK™ SYSTEM POWERED BY THE MPS™ SENSOR
At the heart of the MethaneTrack™ system is NevadaNano’s proprietary MPS™ sensor. Originally developed for demanding military applications, thirty patented inventions and over one hundred trade secrets power the technology. These sensors provide best-in-class performance as the industry’s first sensor not requiring field calibration. Eliminating the requirement for calibration allows users to install MethaneTrack™ in remote locations like upstream production sites, knowing that expensive calibration or replacement is unnecessary. With a demonstrated 15+ year life, the MPS™ creates a highly attractive total cost of ownership compared to traditional sensors.
MPS™ sensors enable low cost, worry-free monitoring of methane emissions because of excellent performance even in harsh environmental conditions, extremely fast response time, accurate sensor output, and Built-In Self-Test (BIST) capability, which evaluates the system daily to ensure the user that the system is operating within spec.
Key Features and Benefits of MethaneTrack™
MethaneTrack™ provides excellent Return-On-Investment as well as low Total Cost of Ownership while providing the high-performance monitoring required to meet regulatory and corporate goals. The following list highlights the value provided by the system.
- Automated Leak Detection reduces or eliminates the costs associated with manual leak detection methods
- Rugged, battery powered endpoints enable easy, low-cost installation
- Continuous monitoring minimizes fugitive emissions and maximizes production and profits
- Ease of installation enables one technician to install 4-8 sites in a single day
- Automated Alerts inform maintenance personnel of emissions requiring attention
- "Close-Proximity Continuous Monitoring™" and "Leak Source Isolation™" software combine to provide accurate leak locations and quantification of leak rates
- Accurate leak locations reduce the time needed to find the leak to affect the repair
- Ranking of leak rates creates clear prioritization for maintenance efforts
- Emission Reductions of up to 99% enable companies to meet their emission reduction targets
- Automated analysis software and an intuitive user interface provides concise emissions status for the operations team
- Automated consolidation of emission statistics reduces workload for calculating emission statistics for regulatory and investor reporting
Applications and Industries
Oil & Gas Applications
- Upstream: Detection of methane leaks in drilling operations, offshore platforms, and exploration sites.
- Midstream: Monitoring of pipelines, compressor stations, Isolation valves, and LNG, regassification and natural gas processing facilities.
- Downstream: Methane detection in refineries, chemical plants, and natural gas distribution facilities.
Hydrogen Emissions Applications
Monitoring and detection of hydrogen emissions in industrial processes, including hydrogen production, storage, and transportation.
Hydrogen fuel cell production and distribution facilities.
Hydrogen energy generation, including power plants and refueling stations.
Landfill Gas Applications
Monitoring of landfill gas emissions to manage and control methane emissions.
Landfill gas collection and utilization for energy generation.
Compliance monitoring in waste disposal sites to minimize environmental impact.
Agriculture Applications
Monitoring methane emissions from livestock and agricultural processes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Biogas production and optimization in agricultural settings.
Environmental compliance in agriculture to manage methane emissions from various farming activities.