MethaneTrack™

Methane Leak Detection Background

Detecting Methane Leaks Early is Crucial MethaneTrack

Methane isn’t only an environmental threat. Methane leaks can result in stiff regulatory fines for many gas companies. And the Environmental Protection Agency has recently taken action to curb methane emissions as part of the Clean Air Act.

This bill will reduce methane emissions by 41 million tons between 2023 and 2035, equivalent to 920 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. More than all carbon dioxide emitted from passenger cars and commercial aircraft in the United States in 2019.

Non-compliance with regulations regarding methane emissions can result in stiff fines and penalties.

Detecting methane leaks is also crucial in maintaining a safe workplace for the oil and gas industry. Methane is an odorless, colorless gas that is highly flammable and combustible at 100% Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) concentrations.

When leaked methane accumulates, it can result in an explosion once ignited. These major industrial accidents often result in the devastating loss of life and property. Therefore, these types of accidents must be avoided at all costs since they can be so destructive.

There is no room for error regarding methane emissions and leaks. The environmental impact of methane is dire. And these leaks can pose a tremendous risk to health and safety if they contribute to an explosion. Reliable gas detection technology is the best way to find a leak early and stop it quickly.

MethaneTrack™

NevadaNano’s MethaneTrack™ system is a comprehensive solution that provides low cost, continuous measurement and quantification of methane emissions to enable rapid abatement.   Utilizing an Industrial IoT (IIoT) network of monitoring points to detect methane in the air, the system detects fugitive and operational emissions from a site and immediately alerts the operator to the location and volume of the emissions, allowing rapid response and repair.

Automated, continuous monitoring can enable up to 99% reduction in emissions while reducing operational costs and boosting profits.

Proprietary silicon detection technology (or the MPS) provides 5-years of battery powered, maintenance free operation and emission reductions of up to 99%.

SaaS based data analytics provide quantification and localization of emissions through a customizable interface to monitor assets worldwide.

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Hardware Enabled SaaS Solution Quantifying Methane Emissions 

NevadaNano’s MethaneTrack™ is a low cost, close proximity network of rugged monitoring points to measure methane emissions and report leak location and size to the operator. Utilizing an Industrial IoT (IIoT) network to detect methane in the air, MethaneTrack™ detects fugitive and operational emissions from a site and immediately alerts the operator of the location and volume of the emissions, facilitating rapid response and repair. Autonomous, continuous monitoring enables up to 99% reduction in emissions while reducing operational costs and boosting profits.

Methane Leak Detection Technologies

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the various technologies that can be used to detect and quantify methane emissions from an oil and gas site?

There are several technologies that can be used to detect and quantify methane emissions from an oil and gas site. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of the most common ones:

1. Optical Gas Imaging (OGI): OGI is a technology that uses infrared cameras to detect methane emissions. The advantages of OGI are that it can detect and locate leaks quickly and can be used to survey large areas. The disadvantage is that it can only detect methane emissions that are visible to the camera, and it requires good weather conditions and a trained operator.
2. Emission Quantification Technologies: These technologies measure the quantity of methane emitted by a source, such as a tank or pipeline. The advantages of these technologies are that they are very accurate and can provide real-time data. The disadvantage is that they are expensive and require regular maintenance.
3. Aircraft-Based Surveys: Aircraft-based surveys involve flying over an oil and gas site and using sensors to detect methane emissions. The advantages of this technology are that it can cover large areas quickly and can detect emissions from sources that are difficult to access. The disadvantage is that it is expensive and requires specialized equipment and trained personnel.
4. Mobile Monitoring Units: Mobile monitoring units are vehicles equipped with sensors that can detect methane emissions. The advantages of this technology are that it is portable and can be used to survey multiple sites. The disadvantage is that it can only detect emissions that are within its range.
5. Remote Sensing: Remote sensing technologies use satellites or drones to detect methane emissions. The advantages of this technology are that it can cover large areas and can detect emissions from remote locations. The disadvantage is that it is expensive and requires specialized equipment and trained personnel.

How do these technologies compare in terms of price?

The cost of the technologies used to detect and quantify methane emissions from an oil and gas site can vary widely depending on factors such as the technology used, the size of the site, the number of emissions sources, and the frequency of monitoring. Here is a general overview of the price ranges for each technology:

1. Optical Gas Imaging (OGI): The cost of an OGI camera can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the camera’s specifications and features. Additionally, there may be costs associated with training personnel to operate the camera, as well as maintenance and repair expenses.
2. Emission Quantification Technologies: Emission quantification technologies can be expensive, with costs ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the technology used and the size of the site being monitored. Additionally, ongoing maintenance and calibration costs should be taken into account.
3. Aircraft-Based Surveys: Aircraft-based surveys can be one of the most expensive options for methane monitoring, with costs ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the size of the site and the equipment used.
4. Mobile Monitoring Units: The cost of a mobile monitoring unit can vary widely depending on the equipment used and the size of the unit. However, they are generally less expensive than aircraft-based surveys, with costs ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
5. Remote Sensing: Remote sensing technologies can be the most expensive option, with costs ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the technology used and the size of the site being monitored.

It is worth noting that the cost of these technologies is only one factor to consider when selecting a monitoring approach. Other factors such as accuracy, ease of use, and regulatory requirements should also be taken into account.

What are the limits of detection for each of these technologies?

The limits of detection for each technology used to detect and quantify methane emissions from an oil and gas site can vary depending on the specific equipment, site conditions, and operator skill. However, here is a general overview of the typical detection limits for each technology:

1. Optical Gas Imaging (OGI): OGI can detect methane emissions at concentrations as low as a few parts per million (ppm), depending on the camera’s sensitivity and the atmospheric conditions. However, the actual detection limit can vary depending on the size and type of emission source, and the distance between the camera and the source.
2. Emission Quantification Technologies: Emission quantification technologies can detect methane emissions at very low concentrations, typically in the range of a few ppm to a few hundred ppm. The exact detection limit depends on the technology used and the equipment’s sensitivity and calibration.
3. Aircraft-Based Surveys: Aircraft-based surveys can detect methane emissions at concentrations as low as a few ppm, depending on the sensitivity of the sensors used and the altitude at which the survey is conducted. However, atmospheric conditions can affect the accuracy of the measurements, and some sources of emissions may be too small to detect from the air.
4. Mobile Monitoring Units: Mobile monitoring units can detect methane emissions at concentrations as low as a few ppm, depending on the sensitivity of the sensors used and the distance between the unit and the emission source.
5. Remote Sensing: Remote sensing technologies can detect methane emissions at concentrations as low as a few ppm, depending on the sensitivity of the sensors used and the atmospheric conditions. However, the detection limit can be affected by cloud cover and other environmental factors that can interfere with the satellite or drone’s ability to detect methane.

It is important to note that the detection limit of each technology can vary depending on the specific site conditions and the equipment’s calibration and maintenance. Therefore, it is essential to work with a qualified operator and regularly calibrate and maintain the equipment to ensure accurate detection and quantification of methane emissions.