Choosing the Right Technology: A Guide to Quantifying Methane Emissions on Offshore Platforms

Contributed by: Isra Abbasi

The approach to measuring and reporting methane emissions is evolving rapidly, highlighting the growing awareness of methane's significant role in climate change. As the urgency to tackle these emissions intensifies, we are witnessing a surge in innovative methodologies, particularly tailored to the challenging offshore environments, including cloud-prone regions like Malaysia.  
 
Transitioning from traditional inventory and emission factor-based measurements to advanced technologies, including drone-based surveillance and continuous emission monitoring systems, marks a substantial shift in the energy sector's dedication to environmental stewardship. This transformation reflects a deepened commitment to mitigating climate change by closely monitoring and reducing methane emissions. 
 
Read for an insightful overview of the techniques and methods for methane detection and quantification, and their applicability and limitations for offshore use. 

Image: Technology Comparison for Methane Emission Quantification, derived from a variety of technologies assessed through the Methane Detection and Quantification Technology Filtering Tool, developed by IOGP.

The Satellite Perspective 
Satellites have become increasingly adept at monitoring methane emissions globally, offering broad coverage ideal for identifying significant leaks. However, they face challenges with cloud cover, geographic latitude, and the reflection of light off water surfaces, which can hinder their effectiveness, especially in cloud-prone regions like Malaysia. This indicates the ongoing need for enhancement in satellite technology for offshore applications. 

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Aerial Measurements 
Aircraft provide a versatile tool for methane measurement, capable of covering vast distances and delivering detailed data on specific locations. Equipped with a variety of sensors, aircraft can help pinpoint emission sources, though the reflection from the sea surface may affect the accuracy of these readings. Despite these challenges, aircraft-based methane measurement presents a promising avenue for further research and development, particularly for offshore oil and gas operations. 
 
Drones: The Game Changer 
Drones are revolutionizing the detection and measurement of methane emissions. With their three-dimensional manoeuvrability and capacity to carry diverse sensor types, drones have seen a surge in commercial adoption for both onshore and offshore methane measurement. These remotely operated vehicles can perform site-level assessments and, in some instances, identify specific emitting equipment or components. However, their effectiveness is subject to weather conditions, safety regulations, and the balance between plume dispersion, detection distance, and concentration levels. 
 
Handheld Sensors 
Handheld sensors are invaluable tools for the bottom-up approach and quantification of methane emissions, capable of identifying both large and small leaks from individual equipment. Despite their utility, these technologies, much like satellites, aircraft, and drones, provide only a momentary glimpse into emissions, possibly overlooking intermittent leaks. The effectiveness of these technologies is influenced by a variety of factors, including the skill of the operator, the distance from the source, how wind speed affects the dispersion of the plume, and, in the case of Optical Gas Imaging (OGI), the temperature contrast between the methane plume and the surrounding environment. 
 
Despite these challenges, OGI cameras, along with other handheld technologies such as high-flow samplers and tunable diode laser spectroscopy (TDLAS) devices, play a crucial role in leak detection and repair (LDAR) initiatives on offshore platforms. These tools are routinely employed to measure fugitive methane emissions typically on an annual schedule. Notably, OGI cameras have begun to incorporate in-camera quantification capabilities, while the development of next-generation high volume samplers promises to further improve the accuracy of emission quantification. Handheld technologies may also be used in combination, first to detect and then to quantify separately, to better characterize methane emissions.

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Continuous Emission Monitoring Solutions 
Recent advancements in continuous monitoring solutions have significantly enhanced methane emissions detection and quantification capabilities. These technologies offer real-time, continuous surveillance, going beyond traditional approaches. Controlled release testing has demonstrated that these technologies exhibit a variety of detection thresholds and quantification accuracies. This highlights the crucial need to find an equilibrium between the sensitivity of the technology and the incidence of false positive detections. For offshore installations, safety standards necessitate additional considerations, such as ensuring explosive atmosphere safety, meeting power requirements, and ensuring the robustness of these technologies to endure the harsh offshore conditions. 
 
While recent research suggests that relying solely on these devices for the quantification of emissions may be premature, the future looks promising. These technologies are already enhancing methane emission measurements. With continuous research and development, it's anticipated that these strategies will be further refined, leading to more precise and reliable monitoring solutions. 
Looking at all these technologies, it's clear there is no one-size-fits-all solution for finding and measuring methane emissions. The variety of tools reflects just how tricky it is to get a good read on emissions, especially out at sea. It shows why we need to use a mix of methods, tailored to the specific needs and challenges of each site. This comprehensive approach, along with ongoing innovation and thorough testing, is crucial for improving how we detect and measure methane. 
Focusing on controlled tests and setting standard protocols is a big step in the right direction. These efforts not only make the technologies more reliable but also set the stage for global standards. Including specific requirements for offshore use, like safety certifications and considering environmental conditions, is key to building effective methane monitoring strategies. 
 
The fight against methane emissions is powered by an ever-growing array of tech innovations. Moving from old methods to new technologies represents a wider shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy production. While we still face challenges, constantly improving our tools for detecting and measuring methane is essential for a cleaner, greener future. Working together, researchers, industry folks, and policymakers play a vital role in making the most of these technologies to significantly reduce methane emissions worldwide. 

References  
Recommended Practices for Methane Emissions Detection and Quantification Technologies - Upstream - https://www.ipieca.org/resources/methane-detection-quantification-technologies-upstream 

Methane detection and quantification technology filtering tool by IOGP - https://www.iogp.org/workstreams/environment/environment/methane-emissions-detection-and-quantification/methane-detection-and-quantification-technology-filtering-tool/tool/ 

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Interested in learning more?

Join is in Austin, Texas, from June 10-14 at the Methane Mitigation Technology & Innovation Summit, where the world’s leading minds meet to reduce oil and gas emissions. Featuring 75+ speakers, site tours, workshops, think tanks, daily tracks to choose from, and more, this year’s Summit will focus on cutting-edge technologies being developed in the sector and global regulations, explored through a range of operator case studies from the Americas, Europe, Asia and beyond. Download the agenda for more information.