The Oil and Gas Industry is an industry always striving to make improvements. Whether it has to do with advanced technology, improved efficiencies, or emission reductions, the industry is always seeking to be better. As it pertains to the latter, the industry is driving meaningful improvements. Recently “the Environmental Partnership, a coalition of US oil and gas producers, reported on July 31 that it made marked progress in its three performance programs to reduce emissions of methane and volatile organic compounds (VOC) from operations during its first full year of operation in 2018” (Oil & Gas Journal). The independent coalition of companies turns to a wide range of technologies and practices to help deliver the reduction in emissions. There are several products and services that help reduce emissions and minimize impact to our environment. Waukesha-Pearce Industries (“WPI”) and the customers we support partner with world-class manufacturers to reduce the emissions being released when the engines are running. Those include but not limited to: catalysts, AFR’s (Air-Fuel Ratio Controllers), Lean, and Rich burning engines.
Precision Catalyst and Altronic Controls are just a few partners that WPI utilizes for catalysts and AFR solutions when working on our engines. Catalysts act as filters to reduce the toxic gases and pollutants as they pass through the engine. “Precision Catalyst, manufactures the highest quality emission control catalyst to meet today’s demanding regulatory environment. Precision Catalyst, delivers the latest in emission control solutions. From CO, VOC and NOx abatement catalyst and systems, to systems engineering, catalyst washing services and testing” (Precision Catalyst). AFR’s (Air-Fuel Ratio Controllers) control the catalyst in the sense that they control the ratio of air and fuel that is allowed into the engine at a time. There are several different types of AFR’s and it depends on what type of engine you are working with. “All are designed to improve engine performance and enhance reliability. Many also improve operating efficiency, helping to reduce emissions, which contributes to a healthier environment” (Altronic). The Rich-Burn engine (less air is provided, resulting in excess fuel) obtains the best emission when it is paired with a catalyst compared to the Lean-Burn engine (excess air is provided, resulting in less fuel). With the help of the catalysts, AFR’s, and cooler temps; we can see the decrease in emissions that are released in the environment. “EIA (Energy Information Administration) forecasts that, after rising by 2.7% in 2018, U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions will decline by 2.4% in 2019 and by 1.7% in 2020, due in part to lower forecast consumption of energy” (Short-Term Energy Outlook – EIA). With all the options out there, one by one, each company can make a difference in the environment. “The road to clean air also depends on extensive collaboration between EPA and vehicle, engine, and fuel manufacturers; state and local governments; transportation planners; and individual citizens” (United States Environmental Protection Agency).
Our demand for energy continues to grow. Our environment is constantly changing. Both translate into significant challenges that we must address on a daily basis. As these trends progress, we need to be aware of the opportunities that are available in order to help protect and improve the environment around us.
