Electric Dump Valve Helps Oil and Gas Producer Meet Emissions Standards

The old pneumatic valves were a source of harmful gas emissions into the environment. Thanks to the adoption of ASCO™ solenoid valves, Laramie Energy has been able to optimize maintenance processes, pressure control, and increase the operational efficiency of its separators. Moreover, the fast actuation time of the valves allows for more precise flow management, preventing gas leaks and significantly reducing the risk of emissions.

The old pneumatic valves were a source of harmful gas emissions into the environment. Thanks to the adoption of ASCO™ solenoid valves, Laramie Energy has been able to optimize maintenance processes, pressure control, and increase the operational efficiency of its separators. Moreover, the fast actuation time of the valves allows for more precise flow management, preventing gas leaks and significantly reducing the risk of emissions.

Published: 3rd June 2025 | Issue 99 Share article:

Article by Justin Valdez, Senior District Sales Manager at Emerson.

Article by Justin Valdez, Senior District Sales Manager at Emerson.


To meet strict state emissions regulations, a Colorado-based oil and gas company turned to electric dump valve technology to cut methane emissions, reduce maintenance, and improve performance.

Traditionally, dump valves used in oil and gas production rely on pneumatic actuation powered by natural gas, air, or nitrogen. While effective, these systems often vent gas into the atmosphere and require frequent maintenance. Considering tightening environmental standards, producers like Laramie Energy sought alternatives that support compliance without sacrificing productivity.

The company implemented ASCO™ all-electric solenoid dump valves from Emerson on its upstream separators—pressure vessels that separate liquids and gases in well streams. These electric valves eliminate the need for natural gas actuation and have no packing, making them fugitive emissions-free by design.

“When the fluid level in the separator rises, the level controller activates the ASCO valve to discharge the liquid,” explains Lane Kizer, Automation Coordinator at Laramie Energy. “Because it’s electric, it doesn’t vent gas to operate.”

The benefits have been immediate and measurable:

  • Lower maintenance: Field teams no longer need to constantly adjust or repair valves. Issues with gas over-pressurizing storage tanks have also been resolved.
  • Faster actuation: The electric valves respond in 50 to 75 milliseconds, compared to several seconds for pneumatic options—helping prevent gas blowby.
  • Improved well performance: More stable static pressure has enabled better control over well output and improved production by 5–10 MCF per site.

Additional advantages include low power consumption (under 1.2 watts), minimal seat washout, and reduced current draw, which means fewer battery replacements and no need for extra solar panels.

Laramie Energy is now using ASCO valves in both new wells and retrofits. “We would still use this solution even if emissions compliance wasn’t a factor,” says Kizer. “But with penalties like a $900-per-metric-ton methane tax, this technology makes even more sense.”

Emerson’s electric valve solutions continue to support Laramie Energy’s efforts to improve operational efficiency and meet evolving environmental regulations—delivering reliable performance and long-term value in the field.

For more information visit: https://www.emerson.com/en-us/automation/industrial-factory-automation/zero-emissions-electric-dump-valve-technology

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