Meeting the Midstream Methane Emissions Challenge with Kathairos

As the oil and gas industry continues to evolve, so does the need for innovative solutions to meet regulatory requirements and operational challenges.  

At Kathairos, this means eliminating emissions from both upstream and midstream operations with liquid nitrogen-based technology, across a wide range of applications that include pneumatics and engine compressor starts, gas gathering systems, dehydration facilities, and metering and regulating stations.

Midstream operations represent a critical yet often overlooked source of methane venting, and as industry leaders like Williams and Kinder Morgan expeditiously adopt the Kathairos system in novel ways, their forward-thinking peers are quickly following suit.

Understanding the midstream methane problem

Midstream operations encompass the transportation and processing of natural gas from production sites to end users. This includes gathering and boosting operations near the wellhead, transmission through compressor stations, and pre-processing before reaching major processing plants.  

A significant challenge for North American midstream providers in shifting to emissions-free operations is the lack of reliable electrical infrastructure across their vast geographical network of facilities. This factor alone has greatly complicated their ability to effectively and economically meet increasingly stringent regulatory standards.

Wanted: Reliable off-grid, emissions-free power source

Malvin Delgado, author and CEO of Trustwell Energy, further describes the midstream decarbonization challenge in terms of facility design and operational energy required.

“The midstream sector primarily uses fossil fuel-powered pumps and compressors for the transportation and storage of oil and gas, which are significant sources of carbon emissions,” notes Delgado. “The long-distance nature of pipelines and the scale of distribution networks amplify the emission challenges.”

Additionally, Delgado highlights the energy intensive nature of transporting and storing oil and gas.  

“Pipelines, for instance, require a substantial amount of energy to maintain the flow of oil and gas, which traditionally comes from combusting part of the product being transported.”

Midstream must-have: A ridiculously reliable, simple solution

Without a doubt, midstream operators face similar challenges as their upstream counterparts when it comes to eliminating methane emissions from field gas-powered pneumatic equipment.  

However, midstream facilities are often remote and geographically expansive than well sites and production facilities, making the evolution to emissions-free solutions additionally more challenging, expensive and prohibitive.

Finally, given the criticality of keeping gas moving through the midstream network, reliability is perhaps the most important factor for midstream operators looking to make the switch.

Accelerating the Solution

Enter the Kathairos nitrogen system, proven to not only meet the multi-faceted criteria for midstream operators of zero external power needed, 99.99% reliability, and no maintenance, management or oversight required by the operator – enabling them to seamlessly meet, and often exceed, their methane abatement targets.

An addressable decarb dilemma

As the industry navigates changing landscapes, regulations and technologies, midstream operators are rolling up their sleeves to implement innovative solutions in advance of incoming regulations, penalties and deadlines.

In Delgado’s mind, the midstream emissions challenge is indeed solvable, and worth solving.  

“Decarbonizing the midstream oil and gas sector requires a mixed approach, encompassing technological upgrades, operational improvements, regulatory compliance, and strategic innovation,” said Delgado.  

“By addressing these challenges with targeted strategies, the midstream sector can significantly reduce its carbon footprint, align with global climate goals, and ensure its role in a sustainable energy future. The path ahead is complex but necessary for the industry's longevity and compatibility with a low-carbon world.”

Midstream methane emissions: Problem(s) solved

Kathairos is proudly stepping up to the midstream plate with a robust and reliable array of solutions to field gas-powered pneumatic systems. We are thrilled to have emerged as a preferred choice for upstream and midstream operators alike and remain steadfast in our commitment to help North America’s energy industry decarbonize operations – one well site, transmission line and compressor station at a time.

Ready to transform your approach to methane management? Our field operators, emissions engineers and project teams are standing by to discuss your needs and get you to your targets effectively, affordably and at scale.  

Reach out for a complimentary site assessment today.