Encino Environmental Services Secures Enviromech Composite Thief Hatch Patent

HOUSTON -- Encino Environmental Services, LLC (“Encino”), a leading provider in emissions performance testing, leak detection, quantification, and analytics for the Energy sector and other industries, proudly announces that it has been granted a patent for its groundbreaking Enviromech™ composite thief hatch, first introduced in April 2023.

The Enviromech™ composite thief hatch, engineered to aerospace-grade specifications and crafted from durable, corrosion-resistant composites, provides unparalleled mechanical integrity performance. This innovative product marks a significant advancement in reducing emissions from liquid storage tanks and is manufactured and assembled in the USA to meet AS9100/ISO:9001 standards.

Scott McCurdy, Encino’s Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Receiving this patent underscores the revolutionary nature of the Enviromech™ thief hatch. Our product inhibits corrosion and improves the seal of the tank under varying weather conditions, providing a practical, immediate, and cost-effective solution for reducing emissions, field visits, and maintenance costs while enhancing well site safety.”

Tank batteries have emerged as a significant source of well site emissions. Thief hatches are now listed as fugitive emission components that must be periodically checked for leaks using optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras. Open or improperly sealed thief hatches can lead to significant fines of up to $25,000 per day in some cases, and potential facility shutdowns. Our homogeneous, non-reactive material significantly reduces these degradative impacts, as evidenced by accelerated corrosion testing. Traditional thief hatches have remained largely unchanged for decades and are typically made from carbon steel and aluminum, which are susceptible to corrosive environments.

Joe Etheridge, Encino’s Chief Technical Officer, explained, “In an industry focused on emissions measurement and mitigation, the Enviromech™ thief hatch offers a high-impact, low-cost solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from E&P facilities. This patent validates our efforts to provide operators with the tools needed to meet both short- and long-term climate performance goals. Our composite material offers superior resistance to corrosion compared to traditional metals, maintaining the integrity and emissions performance of the thief hatch over time. This breakthrough is a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation.”

When considering recent regulation changes under Subpart W and its effect on the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP), emissions from tanks can impact the proposed Waste Emissions Charge (WEC) calculation of the site, and when sufficiently large, they could result in increased charges. Moreover, the methane Global Warming Potential (GWP) value has increased from 25 to 28 in Subpart A, raising the CO2 equivalent (CO2e) impact of methane emissions starting in 2025.

The patented Enviromech™ thief hatch has undergone extensive field testing across multiple basins and operating environments over the past three years, demonstrating its long-term durability and superior performance. This thief hatch is less prone to warping from extreme temperature changes and more resistant to corrosive degradation from salt water, hydrocarbons and produced water.

For more information about the patented Enviromech™ composite thief hatch and its environmental benefits, visit Encino Environmental’s website.

About Encino Environmental Services

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, Encino Environmental Services, LLC specializes in emissions performance testing and monitoring, environmental consulting, combustion analysis, LDAR (leak detection and repair), CEMS (continuous emissions monitoring systems), satellite methane emissions monitoring, and advanced environmental data platforms. Encino supports environmental regulatory compliance and strategies across all major U.S. oil and gas basins and select international markets. Additional information is available at www.encinoenviron.com.