Achieve OOOOb and OOOOc Compliance
What Are OOOOb and OOOOc Regulations?
The EPA’s new NSPS Subparts OOOOb and OOOOc aim to reduce methane and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from the oil and natural gas industry. These rules place stricter emissions standards on new, modified, and reconstructed facilities (OOOOb), as well as guidelines for existing facilities (OOOOc).
40 CFR Part 60 Subpart OOOOb:
Applies to new, modified, or reconstructed sources in the crude oil and natural gas source category built after December 6, 2022.
40 CFR Part 60 Subpart OOOOc:
Applies to all previous sources in the crude oil and natural gas source category that existed before December 6, 2022.
What the Rules Mean for You
To remain compliant, operators must:
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Implement low-emission combustion and control technologies
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Conduct frequent monitoring for leaks and emissions
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Upgrade or replace outdated flaring and control systems
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Maintain thorough data collection and reporting systems
Non-compliance could lead to costly penalties and operational disruptions.
How Have OOOO Rules Changed Over Time?
Under OOOO and OOOOa rules, the EPA wanted to know:
- That you are flaring and not venting by implementing pilot verification methods
- That you are achieving smokeless flaring as outlined in Method 22
Under the new OOOOb and OOOOc rules, the EPA now wants to know:
- How much you are flaring, measured by flow meters or pressure transmitters with flow correlation
- What you are flaring, measured by BTU spot checks of the process stream or continuous BTU monitoring
- If your process stream meets the exemptions, then you must have a representative gas stream to utilize
- That you are controlling assist media to prevent over-dilution through the new NHVdil and NHVcz parameters
Zeeco's Compliance Solutions
Zeeco offers a full suite of emissions control equipment and services that directly align with the requirements set forth by the EPA under Subparts OOOOb and OOOOc. Our technologies help operators meet the performance standards, monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting obligations outlined in these rules.
To comply with NSPS OOOOb and OOOOc, affected facilities must implement emissions control devices that meet strict performance standards. These standards typically require at least 95% destruction efficiency for methane and VOCs. Zeeco’s combustion systems are engineered to exceed these standards and are applicable across multiple equipment types regulated by the EPA.
Zeeco Solutions:
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- Unassisted: Applications that don't require smokeless combustion, low BTU gas compositions, and high-hydrogen systems
- Air Assisted: Applications requiring smokeless combustion in a location where electricity is available
- Gas Assisted: Applications requiring smokeless combustion in a location where electricity is not available
- Steam Assisted: Applications requiring smokeless combustion in a location where steam is an available utility
- Pressure Assisted: Any application where waste gas pressures are high enough to achieve sonic velocity flaring
- Enclosed Combustion Devices
- Enclosed Ground Flare (EGF): Achieves 95% destruction efficiency minimum while hiding the flame in an enclosure for non-visible flaring
- Vapor Combustion Units (VCU): Achieves up to 99.9% destruction removal efficiency by using automation to control residence time and operating temperature
- Thermal Oxidizers (TO): Achieves 99.99% destruction removal efficiency through automation control of process waste streams
OOOOb and OOOOc require operators to demonstrate that emissions control devices are functioning as intended. This involves parameter monitoring, visual inspections, and in some cases, continuous emissions monitoring (CEMS). Facilities must also retain records and submit compliance reports to federal or state agencies.
Zeeco Solutions:
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Integrated Monitoring Systems: Zeeco’s combustion systems are designed with built-in capabilities to track operating parameters such as temperature, flow, and pressure—key indicators of combustion performance.
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CEMS-Ready Platforms: For sites requiring continuous emissions monitoring, Zeeco equipment supports seamless integration with CEMS to measure pollutants like methane and VOCs in real-time.
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Automated Compliance Devices: Zeeco’s offers a line of combustion electronics designed to automate flare performance to meet OOOOb and OOOOc requirements.
- ViZion™: flare monitoring, control, and data logging
- FlareGuardian™: direct combustion efficiency measurement
- IdentifEye™: flare pilot monitoring, internal burning monitoring
- Contour™: smokeless flare control
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Data Logging & Reporting Tools: Our systems can be configured to automatically log operational data and support electronic reporting formats to simplify regulatory compliance.
Many existing control devices lack the efficiency, monitoring, or automation capabilities needed to comply with new EPA standards. Zeeco provides cost-effective retrofit solutions that bring older systems up to compliance without the need for full replacement.
Zeeco Solutions:
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Flare Tip Retrofits and System Enhancements: Upgrade legacy flare systems with modern tips and assist systems to improve destruction efficiency, reduce smoke, and support continuous operation.
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Automation and Control System Upgrades: Add real-time monitoring, feedback control loops, and alarm systems to ensure combustion systems remain within compliant operating ranges.
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Thermal Oxidizer Retrofits: Replace outdated burners or add heat recovery and emission reduction features to meet current performance expectations.
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Custom Retrofit Engineering: Zeeco engineers evaluate your existing setup and design retrofit packages that align with current regulatory requirements.
- NHVdil Compliance: Upgrade your blower to incorporate a variable fan drive (VFD) and add staged air or purge blowers as needed.
Achieving compliance is not just about the right equipment—it also requires expert support to evaluate existing systems, test performance, and document results. Zeeco’s global Field Services team works alongside your staff to ensure you’re prepared for audits, inspections, and reporting.
Zeeco Services:
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System Evaluations and Emissions Testing: We assess your control equipment's performance, identify gaps, and conduct emissions testing to confirm regulatory compliance. We can also supply our ViZion and FlareGuardian flare monitoring devices to survey and evaluate your facility's flare performance.
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Startup and Commissioning Support: Ensure proper operation of combustion systems from day one, with certified technicians verifying destruction efficiency and monitoring functionality.
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State Implementation Plan (SIP) Support: For OOOOc-affected sites, Zeeco can help you prepare for and respond to state-level implementation requirements by providing site-specific emissions strategies and documentation.
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Compliance Documentation Assistance: We help customers compile and maintain required documentation, including operating parameter records, inspection logs, and compliance certifications.
Need Immediate Compliance?
Turn to Zeeco Rentals
Zeeco’s rental solutions help facilities meet OOOOb and OOOOc requirements with high-efficiency flares, vapor combustors, and thermal oxidizers ready for deployment. Our Contour™, ViZion™, and FlareGuardian™ systems are also available for rent, providing real-time monitoring, emissions detection, and automated compliance reporting. Get compliant—fast—with proven equipment and expert support.