Diversified Energy Co. Plc acquired two emissions measurement devices, according to an April 13 press release: the OpGal EyeCGas 2.0, with companion EyeCSite Tablet software, and the Semtech Hi-Flow 2 sampler.

The acquisitions position Diversified as the first company in the U.S. to deploy this advanced technology in natural gas upstream operations. While previous generation equipment was capable only of visually detecting fugitive methane emissions, these devices take the next logical step and estimate the amount of the emission.

The handheld OpGal EyeCGas 2.0 uses an optical gas imaging camera and artificial intelligence software to quantify methane and CO2 leaks, especially emissions originating from difficult to access leak sources. The Semtech Hi-Flow 2 sampler uses tunable laser absorption spectroscopy for the accurate measurement of fugitive methane emissions and is uniquely suited to support additional validation of reported leak quantities.

With respect to these technologies, Birmingham, Ala.-based Diversified has partnered with Heath Consultants to field test the equipment during development phase and has become the first to purchase and deploy such equipment across its upstream and midstream Appalachian and Central Region operations.

The technology investments align with the company's goals to reduce methane emissions from pre-pandemic levels by 30% by 2026 and eventually to net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2040, Diversified CEO Rusty Hutson, Jr. commented in the press release.

"Adding this technology to the aerial surveillance and handheld detection devices we've placed in the hands of our skilled well tenders further enhances our ability to proactively detect, accurately measure and repair fugitive emissions across our asset base," Hutson said. "We are proud to demonstrate our leadership in the industry with yet another important milestone that supports our fugitive emission reduction initiatives."