Novel methodology for methane emissions measurement

Annual total indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from hydrocarbon producing operations according to International Energy Agency (IEA), currently stands at 5,200 million tonnes (Mt) of carbon dioxide equivalent, representing 15% of total energy sector GHG emissions \[2\]. Methane is the largest single component of indirect emissions, with global warming potential 28-34 times greater than CO2\[4\].

Flaring and venting waste comprises of 8% global natural gas production and contributes to 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions \[1\]. In UKCS, 42 bcf of gas was flared in 2019\. This equates to a quarter of UKCS Scope 1 category (direct emissions from field operations) CO2 emissions\[6\].

The "Zero Routine Flaring by 2030" introduced by the World Bank requested governments, energy operators, and development institutions to eliminate routine flaring before 2030\. The fundamental challenge the energy sector faces is the detection and quantification of methane emissions in a comprehensive and cost-effective manner. The emission factor quantification for methane depends on many factors such as gas composition, facility design, severity of operating conditions and other operational practices. It is difficult to accurately quantify methane emissions based on current working practices as sources may be overlooked, unsafe to measure, or exceed the maximum emission rate of the measurement technique. Additionally, the methane concentration varies as the chemical usage in the process system changes. Therefore, it is imperative that regular quantification of methane at the facility is required to accurately quantify the GHG emissions.

Blue Gentoo's proposal is to reduce GHG emissions by optimising process facilities and reducing chemical usage at the facility. This feasibility study aims to validate the usage of Ommica assay by using either methanol, or ethylene glycol, as a probe to determine methane concentration in gas. The Ommica test will aid hydrocarbon polluting industries to accurately quantify the GHG emissions by calculating the concentration of methane in the flare gas from that facility. The validated Ommica test could become a new standard to accurately quantify global GHG emissions.

Wherever gas flaring occurs our aspiration is that our innovative solution will be ever present.