The oil and gas industry has a mandate to reduce its consumption of energy and associated emissions. To achieve this mandate the economic benefits must be clear, the environmental gains attainable and a solid business case presented. The industry is prepared to embrace emerging technology but must be convinced of success before doing so.

The Petroleum Technology Alliance of Canada (PTAC) contracted Accurata Inc. to conduct an independent third party study of an advanced engine management system.  The intent of the study was to qualify the REM Technology claims that their REMVue Engine Management System will:

• lower fuel consumption,
• reduce emission levels and
• improve engine reliability through reduced exhaust temperatures

BP Canada Energy Company provided the test sites consisting of Waukesha and White Superior engines of various sizes and PetroCanada Oil and Gas provided one site with three similar Waukesha engines. Testing commenced at the BP facilities in October, 2004 and the PetroCanada facility in December, 2004.

This report contains data from field tests on twelve engines where REMVue systems were installed. Data taken before and after the installation was available on eight of the engines. We were also able to compare three similar engines, two equipped with the REMVue to one engine configured with factory equipment. Snapshot before and after data, load map data and readings to support the sustainability of the system over time are presented. Emissions measurements were taken in the exhaust stream with fuel gas measurements to quantify the results. BP and PetroCanada furnished the test sites and funding of the testing as an in-kind contribution to the study. BP also furnished an in-house survey of their operating costs and reliability with respect to REMVue equipped systems and, where possible, compared to non-REMVue equipped engines. Finally we estimated the total number of engines where the REMVue technology could be applied in order to determine the benefit that the public could derive in reduced emissions and fuel consumption. Economic aspects are defined for industry and public benefit.

How can this benefit the environment?

• Direct and measurable industry contribution to meeting the Canadian government’s commitment to the Kyoto accord
• Decrease in GHG (Green House Gas) levels directly translates into a reduction of tonnes of pollutants emitted annually.
• Conservation of the natural resources through a reduction in internal usage rates may also slow the rate of depletion and therefore conserve consumption of reserves for fuel usage.

How does the Industry benefit?

• Direct economic gains wrought through reduced operating costs (fuel usage rates)
• Improved system reliability
• Improved productivity
• Extended service life of components
• Longer maintenance intervals
• At the higher market rates for natural gas, fuel gas savings are compounded when the gas is commoditized.

 To find out more visit Petroleum Technology Alliance of Canada's website

PTAC Study - REMVue technology sees cleaner-burning engines