CALGARY, AB (June 20, 2024): As a demonstration of our commitment to delivering improved environmental and economic performance in the natural gas value chain, NGIF Accelerator, through the Emissions Testing Centre Program, is delighted to report the successful completion of the reliability testing for the HazTracker, an IoT-based tank monitoring solution.
The HazTracker, a technology developed by Calgary-based HazTrack Inc., is designed to provide real-time data on fluid levels, temperature, and location in smaller storage, production chemical, and methanol tanks. It consists of a sensor unit securely attached to a tank and a cloud-based software platform for data processing and visualization.
The HazTracker addresses a critical inefficiency within the oil and gas industry: traditional tank monitoring. Manual measurements and periodic site visits are currently standard practices, resulting in increased operational costs, increased emissions, and the potential for overflows or supply shortages. The HazTracker aims to provide a more streamlined, cost-effective, and accurate approach to tank monitoring.
During the reliability testing, the HazTracker was successfully implemented in the Tourmaline Sundance Field on an H2S Scavenger Tank operated by PureChem. The testing period included challenging conditions, such as temperatures dropping below -40°C. Despite these extreme weather conditions, the HazTracker’s sensor consistently delivered precise level readings without any transmission disruptions, showcasing its resilience in even the most demanding weather and chemical environments.
Key advantages of the HazTracker include quick and easy installation, scalability for enterprise use, data transmission via LTE-M1 Network, +/-1% accuracy, extended 5-year battery life, and certification as a C1D1 intrinsically safe device.
Image: The HazTracker
“We launched the ETC program to accelerate the pace of testing and validating both current and new technologies to reduce methane emissions in Canada,” said John Adams, President and CEO of NGIF Accelerator. “HazTrack was able to leverage our program that creates operating data for their technology that can be shared with both future customers and potential investors.”
Tom McDonell, CEO, HazTrack Inc., notes, “We are delighted with the success of the HazTracker reliability testing completed in partnership with the NGIF Accelerator, the ETC program, and Tourmaline Oil. The test conditions were some of the most challenging we have encountered to date, clearly demonstrating the reliability and accuracy of our system in extreme conditions. We want to thank the teams at NGIF Accelerator and Tourmaline for their continued support, which came at a critical time for our company.”
“Canadians want and need the affordable, reliable, clean energy service offering they have come to expect from the natural gas industry. When we created NGIF, it was our vision to bring the entire natural gas value chain together to support cleantech development that enhances environmental and economic performance for the sector. I am glad to see our vision in action as its Accelerator program continues to validate technologies like the HazTracker,” said Timothy M. Egan, President and CEO, Canadian Gas Association and Chair, NGIF Capital Corporation.
The public-facing reports from the Emissions Testing Centre program users are accessible via www.cerinprojects.ca.
About the Emissions Testing Centre Program
The ETC Program is a collaborative industry, government, and academia initiative headed by the NGIF Accelerator, providing startups with a dedicated space to develop, test, and field-validate technologies to measure, monitor, and reduce methane emissions. The program is unique by providing technology innovators with free-to-test access to support a rapid scale-up of technologies from concept to commercial-ready deployment. The ETC lab at the University of Calgary provides capabilities to test and de-risk technologies in a controlled environment, complemented by live field trials at the West Wolf Lake Gas Plant (jointly owned by Tourmaline Oil Corp. and Perpetual Energy) along with other Tourmaline assets.
About NGIF Accelerator
NGIF Accelerator is the not-for-profit arm of NGIF Capital and operates all technology and innovation programs. The NGIF Accelerator mandate is to de-risk and accelerate technology development by supporting startups through their pilot projects, field trials, and industry validation. It will coordinate with federal and provincial governments to co-fund projects to advance market commercialization. NGIF Accelerator currently operates the Industry Grants program and the Emissions Testing Centre program.
About HazTrack
HazTrack aims to enhance the industrial sector through advanced sensor technology, improving efficiency and sustainability. Their flagship product, HazTracker, empowers oilfield production chemical companies with real-time data on tanks and pumps, streamlining operations and enabling swift responses to equipment issues. With HazTrack, providers eliminate manual tank checks, expedite inventory consolidations, and reduce lost sales caused by pump failures.
About Canadian Gas Association
The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) is the voice of Canada’s gas energy delivery industry, including natural gas, renewable natural gas (RNG), and hydrogen. Its members are distribution and transmission companies, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and other service providers. Today, natural gas meets 38 per cent of the country’s energy needs.
Media Information:
John Adams
President and CEO, NGIF Accelerator
President and CEO, NGIF Capital Corporation
(613)-748-0057
jadams@ngif.ca
Ayoola Ajibare
Communications Coordinator, NGIF Capital Corporation
(403)-389-2212
aajibare@ngif.ca
Tom McDonell
CEO, HazTrack Inc.
(217) 807-8123
tom@haztrack.ca
