Engineering Site Assessments
Oil & Gas | Upstream
Location | Texas & New Mexico
The Challenge
The client required detailed engineering assessments for twenty well pad facilities in the Permian Basin to verify compliance with federal emissions regulations, specifically 40 CFR 60 Subpart OOOOb. The primary challenge was to ensure that all process equipment and vapor control systems were properly designed, configured, and operated to capture and control emissions effectively. The project demanded a comprehensive review of each facility’s configuration—including flares, tank vent systems, and pneumatic equipment—to confirm that emissions were accurately quantified and that the facilities met regulatory and operational standards.
The Solution
Halker conducted comprehensive engineering evaluations of each site, developing detailed process flow models using ProMax to assess the capacity and performance of all equipment under varying production conditions. The assessments identified all potential emission sources—including process heaters, gas-aspirated generators, pneumatic pumps, and control valves—and verified that these were properly accounted for in emissions calculations.
Each facility’s flare system was evaluated to confirm proper operation and maintenance in alignment with manufacturer recommendations and emissions reduction best practices. The tank vent capture systems (TVCS) were also analyzed to ensure they could manage instantaneous vapor loads from working, breathing, and flashing events.
Based on these evaluations, Halker produced ProMax models, hand-drawn vent system isometrics, and site-specific process flow diagrams for all facilities. The team issued Professional Engineer–stamped vapor control system certifications for sites that met regulatory standards, and for those that did not, provided deficiency memoranda outlining noncompliance areas and recommended corrective actions. A final comprehensive report compiled all findings, including analyses of design adequacy, material compatibility, and operational improvement recommendations.
Through this systematic approach, Halker confirmed that the client’s facilities were capable of meeting emissions requirements and provided clear, actionable guidance to bring all sites into full regulatory compliance.