Methane Detection Technologies Preparing Operators for Upcoming EPA Regulations

Methane is a very potent greenhouse gas responsible for global warming, accounting for about one-fifth of all man-made temperature increases so far. Because oil and gas facilities are among the leading causes of methane emissions, the EPA proposed regulations in November 2021 to reduce emissions from upstream and midstream oil and gas facilities by 70%. The proposed rules are far reaching, and the targeted emissions reduction has the equivalent climate effect of permanently removing about 25 million cars from America’s roads.  

The EPA is focusing on methane “super emitters,” such as malfunctioning VRUs, open thief hatches, unlit flares, open bypass valves and blow-downs, and has proposed 10 kg/h (12 MCFD) methane as the detection limit for so called “advanced detection technologies.” These new technologies include airborne leak detection, continuous point sensors and continuous optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras.