Addressing methane leaks in the energy sector

While carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas that destroys the atmosphere, methane is an important contributor. Research shows that global temperatures last year were 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels. Anthropogenic methane emissions are believed to be responsible for 30% of global warming.

reduce say Emissions and efforts to achieve sustainable development, the energy sector needs to do a lot of work, especially in the area of leakage across the gas value chain. Below is a brief overview of some emerging technologies and strategies that operations can use to address such leaks.

Methane emissions originate from many aspects of life on Earth. This is the result of extensive agricultural and animal husbandry practices and the decay of organic waste in municipal solid waste landfills. However, a large portion of emissions are emitted during the production and transportation of natural gas, coal and oil.

Emissions in this area are sometimes unavoidable, but most (60%) are the result of leaks. Operations can work to control emissions from equipment leaks by implementing and adhering to a Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) program. The LDAR program is a working practice designed to identify accidental or fugitive emissions from equipment in oil and gas, chemical or petrochemical installations so that they can be minimized through repairs.

If applied quarterly, studies estimate that LDAR practices could reduce fugitive emissions by about two-thirds. In oil and gas operations, if combined, this could reduce methane emissions by nearly 14.5 Mt per year.

The LDAR process may vary by device or application. One method utilizes lidar sensors. This innovative gas mapping technology scans oil and gas infrastructure from the air by drone or aircraft. Its purpose is to accurately pinpoint and measure methane leaks to more effectively plan and prioritize remediation.

Another option is to modify or replace the equipment with “leak free” components. For example, centrifugal compressors can be fitted with wet seals to better capture outgassing emissions. This degassing recovery process helps reduce methane emissions and reduces demand for gas.

Other typical sources of emissions are pumps and valves. With upgrades, these components can also be made leak-free. Common examples of sealless include diaphragm pumps, magnetic drive pumps, bellows valves, and diaphragm valves. Although the application of these may be limited by process operating conditions and material of construction considerations, these modern assemblies can effectively reduce or eliminate leakage.

To comply with industry regulations, LDAR-compliant components must be regularly monitored. However, more can be done to minimize spills and greenhouse gas emissions outside of compliance. It requires industry and company leaders to proactively invest in the future of energy production and the future of our planet.

Provided by Bridger Photonics – Gas Mapping Lidar

For other ways to reduce methane leaks, see the accompanying

resource

https://www.iea.org/reports/methane-tracker-2020/methane-abatement-options

https://www.iea.org/fuels-and-technologies/methane-abatement

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/09/190910154706.htm

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.1c03071

https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-06/documents/capturemethanefromcentrifugalcompressionsealoildegassing.pdf

https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-06/documents/ll_rodpack.pdf

https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-06/documents/zeroemissionsdehy.pdf

https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-06/documents/installelectronicflareignitiondevices.pdf

https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-06/documents/insertgasmainflexibleliners.pdf