Methane has a global warming potential (GWP) 84-86 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period and although it is a potent greenhouse gas, its effect is relatively short-lived, persisting for 9-12 years. As a result, understanding and eliminating our methane emissions has a substantial impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions quickly and cost effectively and hence referred to as the low hanging fruit.
The upcoming EPA methane regulations and State Emission reduction programs focused on eliminating these emissions are leaning on advances in methane measurement. These new tools enable us to better identify, quantify and target the most impactful sources across the entire oil and gas value chain. There is recognition that there is a gap between measurement-based emission surveys compared to inventory-based emission factor approaches. The large measurement campaigns are providing great insight into the sources of emissions. These surveys are finding that in addition to leaks and fugitives, flaring, venting, equipment failure and maintenance operations are a major sources of methane emissions in the oil and gas sector. Field data is showing that there can be significant methane slip from flares in addition to particulates and products of incomplete combustion. A recent aerial survey in the Permian found that 11% of flares were underperforming and 5% were unlit, venting the entire stream, while others were displaying methane slip, nitrous oxides and particulate matter; the product of incomplete or non-optimized combustion.
In this webinar we discuss the findings from direct measure vs. emission factor approaches. The technical aspects of the upcoming EPA regulations and the Methane reduction program. We provide an update and overview of methane emissions detection and quantification technology. All content contained within this webinar is copyrighted by Ryan Streams, Meghan Cornwell and Jennifer Blackledge and its use and/or reproduction outside the portal requires express permission from Ryan Streams, Meghan Cornwell and Jennifer Blackledge.
This webinar is a collaboration between SPE and EDF.
