Steffes Chemical Injection System Prevents Pilot Line Freeze-ups, Plugging, and Corrosion in the Harshest Conditions
If you work in the oil and gas industry, chances are you’ve heard about the latest Quad O regulation updates. But what do these regulation updates mean, and how can you ensure your sites are compliant within your financial and practical means? That’s where we come in. Our Steffes Quad Ob and Oc white paper series will show you not only how you can ensure your sites are compliant, but also how you can reduce site shutdowns and maintenance costs.
First, as a reminder, let’s define exactly what Quad Ob and Quad Oc mean. In 2012, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) under 40 CFR, Part 60, Subpart OOOO (“Quad O”) to curb methane emissions. Fast forward to December 2023, when the EPA expanded its oversight with two new additions—Quad OOOOb and OOOOc—extending compliance requirements across a broader range of oil and gas operations.
One of the key takeaways from Quad Ob regulations is that a standing pilot must always be present while flaring. Last month, we highlighted how the Steffes Pilot Heater prevents frost buildup around the flare pilot to ensure reliable ignition in cold, humid conditions. Today, we’d like to share another game-changing Steffes innovation for flares in cold and/or humid climates: our Chemical Injection System.
The Steffes Chemical Injection System prevents flare shutdowns caused by problems in a different part of the flare – the pilot gas line.
Born in the Bakken
The Chemical Injection System is a direct response to real-world operator challenges. In cold climates, such as those that often happen during the winter in the Bakken and Niobrara basins, operators often struggle with flare shutdowns because their pilot lines become blocked with chunks of ice; and in humid climates such as those found in the Anadarko, Eagle Ford, and Haynesville basins, corrosion also cause blocks in the pilot line that lead to flare shutdowns.
During the start of the last Bakken oil boom, operators found they could keep their pilot lines clear by injecting small amounts of chemicals, such as methanol, into the pilot line. However, that method required having an employee drive to each site every day to manually perform this menial task, consuming valuable time and resources. Additionally, employees would inject uncontrolled amount of chemicals into the line, often using more than necessary to keep the lines clear. Operators asked how they could achieve the same result while reducing the manpower requirement, wasted chemicals, and strain on their resources.
And Steffes answered. The solution was the Chemical Injection System, a piece of equipment that can be installed directly on location to inject an operator-specified amount of chemicals at an operator-specified rate into the pilot gas supply line to prevent corrosion and freeze-ups. The simple yet innovative solution can operate between -40° F and 140° F, standing up to the harshest conditions.
How It Works
Instead of relying on costly daily site visits, this system ensures uninterrupted operation with minimal maintenance. The Steffes Chemical Injection System automates chemical dosing at a precise, operator-specified rate (two different daily rates can be programmed) at custom intervals using two recycle timers. While methanol is the most commonly used chemical within the system, any chemical not corrosive to carbon or stainless steel can be used with the Chemical Injection System. One Chemical Injection System can also be used for multiple pilot gas lines on a site.
Operators can program the Chemical Injection System to begin injections in the fall, before winter conditions set in, to prevent pilot line issues before they even start. Alternatively, the Chemical Injection System can run year-round to prevent corrosion in constantly humid climates. The system is powered by a dependable 12 VDC solar-powered charging system with a 360° rotating solar panel, solar controller, and battery. As an added bonus, the Chemical Injection System works seamlessly with the Steffes Pilot Heater.
✔️ Prevents Downtime: Eliminates ice build-up by injecting chemicals ahead of cold weather.
✔️ Multi-Line Capability: Supports multiple injection points for increased efficiency.
✔️ Solar-Powered Reliability: No need for an external power source on-site.
✔️ High PSI Performance: Even the most stubborn clogs don’t stand a chance.
✔️ Low maintenance. With no rotating parts and a rugged design, you can depend on the Chemical Injection System.
With the Steffes Chemical Injection System, operators can proactively safeguard their operations, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure compliance with ever-tightening regulations—all with an easy-to-install, low-maintenance solution.
Weather conditions can be tough. The Steffes Chemical Injection System is tougher.
Stay compliant. Stay efficient. Stay operational.
Order your Steffes Chemical Injection System today to ensure your pilot gas supply line stays clear and your pilot flame stays strong. steffesoil.com/production-equipment/
Steffes offers a variety of flare accessories to help operators remain in compliance with Quad Ob regulations by significantly reducing potential downtime and ensuring a continuously running, stable pilot. In this white paper series, we will further explore how each of our flare accessories helps operators maintain compliance with the latest regulations.