31-01-2013

ABUTEC smokeless flares tested and exceed EPA’s quad o mandate

ABUTEC flares are the only combustion control devices to pass independent third-party testing as mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new air regulations, positioning themselves ahead of the industry. The New Source Performance Standard (NSPS) in 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart 0000 (Quad O), require all combustion control devices, flares, to be tested and retested by an independent third-party organization at regular intervals. Upon EPA approval, ABUTEC’s certification will eliminate the need for field testing post-installation, meaning expensive testing is not necessary for ABUTEC’s upstream and midstream customers within the oil and gas industry.

The initial performance test required by this new regulation must be done within 180 days of startup and be capable of achieving at least 95 percent destruction and removal efficiency (DRE). ABUTEC’s enclosed flares have passed third-party testing, exceeding the new Quad O compliance standards with 99 percent DRE. Surpassing the current requirements of the USEPA is significant due to the projected raise in percentage from 95 percent to 98 percent in the coming years.

ABUTEC’s Medium and High Temperature Flares meet state and federal regulations burning waste gas at a 99.9 percent DRE, meaning that almost 100 percent of unburned gas is converted to CO2 and Water. This burning process, 21 times cleaner than unburned methane, is smokeless and without smell or light pollution. With low operating costs, and the initial and continual savings from a tested combustion control device, ABUTEC’s enclosed combustors are setting the standard for the industry while drastically reducing emissions.

“ABUTEC’s emission results achieved during the stringent Quad O testing illustrates our commitment to engineering, design and combustion experience like no other in the industry,” said Andy Smith, President and CEO of ABUTEC. “ABUTEC’s enclosed combustors offer a compact solution with automatic on/off design that is fully equipped with data logging and site integration capability.”

The USEPA provides incentives for oil and gas companies to comply with Quad O regulations. According to the USEPA’s Air Regulation Fact Sheet, it is estimated that revenue from selling gas that was previously wasted will offset the cost of compliance. This estimated revenue ranges between $11 and $19 million within the next several years. The projected compensation and drastic reduction of emissions are the key benefits for the oil and gas industry to become compliant to these regulations and outfitting all drilling locations with combustion solutions such as ABUTEC’s Medium and High Temperature Flares. ABUTEC 2