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40 CFR 60 OOOOa OOOOb OOOOc compliance solutions and monitoring by Atlas OT

OOOOa/b/c Control Compliance

Monitoring for Compliance is only part of the equation. Proactively control for 40 CFR Part 60, 60.18 Compliance issues to reduce emissions before they happen.

How to Comply with OOOOb - Tank Low Pressure Flare Requirements example

What are Tank Low Pressure Flare Requirements and how does that impact your compliance with OOOOa/b/c? In short, the key is to make sure your flares are always burning efficiently to meet VOC destruction requirements. 


Atlas OT can help you with meeting regulatory compliance by meeting Net Heating Value requirements of 60.18 by confirming the air / gas mixture is correct and that you are flowing the correct amount of gas to the flare, confirming flare pilot status is on and validated with an OGI camera. 

Flare Curves

Review your pressure vs flare curves from flare vendor. Ensure control system operates in ideal zone for VOC destruction and alert if out of bands.

Gas Composition

Working with The Valor Method, we can determine gas composition (sample and simulation) to find Minimum and Maximum Allowable Flare Flowrate 

Inlet Valving

Control system and automation logic to ensure flare inlet valves operate flare within acceptable ranges.

Tank Pressure Monitoring

Solve NHV issues with Tank Pressure Data Monitoring and Control to keep positive pressure on tanks, to prove closed system seal and prevent oxygen egress and thief hatch leaking.

Blower Ramping

Control blowers based on flare inlet pressure, tank pressure, and separator pressure to proactively manage system fluctuations. 

Pilot Status

Confirm Flare Pilot Status with direct monitoring and thermocouple data. Track pilot time under temperature to monitor for reportable events.

Overview of 40 CFR 60 Subpart OOOOa OOOOb OOOOc

40 CFR Part 60 Subpart OOOOa, OOOOb, OOOOc establishes New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for crude oil and natural gas facilities constructed, modified, or reconstructed after August 23, 2011, and on or before September 18, 2015

Key aspects include:
  • Regulates volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from specific sources in the oil and natural gas industry
  • Covers emissions from leaking components at onshore natural gas processing plants
  • Provides standards for sulfur dioxide emissions from natural gas processing plants

The regulation impacts several types of equipment and processes:
  1. Gas Well Completions
  2. Centrifugal and Reciprocating Compressors
  3. Pneumatic Controllers
  4. Storage Vessels
  5. Equipment Leaks at Natural Gas Processing Plants
  6. Sweetening Units at Natural Gas Processing Plants

Impact of Industrial Automation and Controls

Industrial control systems such as RTUs (Remote Terminal Units), Flow Computers, PLCs (Programming Logic Controllers), and SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition Systems) can significantly enhance compliance efforts while optimizing operations. In many case, compliance can also lead to increased profits on the facility by modernizing control systems for better operations and maintenance.

1. Continuous Monitoring and Data Collection

Smart sensors and IoT devices can continuously monitor emissions, equipment performance, and process parameters. This real-time data collection enables:
  • Early detection of leaks or equipment malfunctions
  • Automated alerts for potential compliance issues
  • Improved accuracy in emissions reporting

2. Automated Control Systems

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Distributed Control Systems (DCS) can automate processes to maintain optimal operating conditions:
  • Precise control of pneumatic controllers to minimize emissions
  • Automated adjustment of compressor operations to reduce fugitive emissions
  • Optimized storage vessel pressure management

3. Advanced Analytics and Reporting

Data analytics platforms and visualization tools can process the collected data to:
  • Generate automated compliance reports
  • Identify trends and potential areas for improvement
  • Support data-driven decision-making for EHS initiatives

4. Remote Monitoring and Control

SCADA systems and remote access technologies allow for:
  • Real-time monitoring of multiple facilities from a central location
  • Rapid response to potential compliance issues
  • Reduced need for on-site personnel, improving safety

5. Predictive Maintenance

Machine learning algorithms can analyze equipment performance data to:
  • Predict potential failures before they occur
  • Schedule maintenance proactively to prevent emissions-related issues
  • Optimize equipment efficiency and lifespan

Benefits of Automation for Compliance

Implementing these industrial automation and control solutions offers several advantages:
  1. Improved Accuracy: Automated systems reduce human error in data collection and reporting.
  2. Enhanced Efficiency: Streamlined processes and optimized operations lead to reduced emissions and improved resource utilization.
  3. Cost Savings: Proactive maintenance and optimized operations can lower overall compliance costs.
  4. Simplified Reporting: Automated data collection and report generation save time and resources.
  5. Increased Safety: Remote monitoring and automated controls reduce the need for personnel in potentially hazardous areas.

By leveraging industrial automation and controls, oil and gas executives can not only ensure compliance with 40 CFR 60 Subpart OOOOa OOOOb OOOOc but also drive operational excellence and demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship. These technologies provide the tools needed to stay ahead of regulatory requirements while optimizing return on investment through improved efficiency and reduced risk.

Monitor and Control EHS

Emission standards compliance are increasingly important to oil and gas operators. Greenhouse gases (GHG) such as methane, volatile organic compounds (VOC), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) require monitoring and reduction. 

Platform Agnostic

Control and Monitor using your preferred RTU, PLC, and SCADA platforms. 

Data Integration for Rapid Compliance Auditing

If you are using third parties to collect data and compare to regulatory requirements, we can help. Integrate your facility data directly into their systems to automate reporting and highlight areas of concern.

APMPLS Compliant

Automatic Pressure Management and Pilot Light System - per State of Colorado for DJ Basin Operators. 

Active Monitoring

See issues as they happen and learn from the data with AI to early detect issues from weather, pipelines, and loadouts. Adjust production and response to minimize events.