Optical Technology to Quantify and Mitigate Methane Emissions from Casing Gas Vents and Liquid Storage Tanks

Lead Proponent

Carleton University

Project Objectives

The objective of this project is to develop and field test a novel optical-based technology for measuring key sources of vented methane in the oil and gas sector. Venting of casing gas during heavy oil production and methane flashing through liquid storage tanks are dominant sources of methane emissions in the Canadian oil and gas sector. These transient emission sources are challenging to measure and no comparable field deployable technology currently exists that can accurately measure methane flux in these types of gas streams with variable composition and flowrate.

The optical device under development by Carleton University will allow real-time measurement of the methane component of vented gas streams.

Expected Results

This project will generate data crucial to the development of methane emission mitigation technologies. It may also lead to the development of a commercial field deployable gas measurement technology.

Results from this project will inform Canadian oil and gas producers about the potential methane emission mitigation opportunities associated with key vented sources such as casing gas vents and liquid storage tanks.

This technology will have the potential to simplify regulatory reporting as well as help other jurisdictions to measure and reduce methane emissions from oil and gas extraction and production.

Anticipated Environmental Benefits: Methane emissions measurement to identify potential emission mitigation opportunities, enable engineered mitigation solutions, improve emission reporting and inventories, and quantify reductions.