PROJECT: Mapping existing and future air quality in oil and gas communities (2022 – 2023)
FUNDER: The McCall MacBain Foundation
COLLABORATORS: Various Albertan airshed monitoring stations
DESCRIPTION: The effects of methane regulation on air pollution can be modeled and understood, and in this study, we will establish: 1) The relationship between air pollutant levels in Canadian oil and gas developments; 2) Future air pollutant patterns that can be expected as methane regulations; 3) New integrated uses of ground and satellite data that can be used for tracking changes in air quality over coming years.
PROJECT: Test technologies cost implementation analysis.
FUNDER: Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (2020)
DESCRIPTION: Combine CanERIC abatement technology effectiveness assessments with the most updated inventory datasets, and associated cost information, to model abatement cost curves across Canadian oil and gas sites that could implement the technology.
PROJECT: Measuring methane emissions from Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore oil and gas platform (2021-2022)
FUNDER: Energy, Research and Innovation Newfoundland and Labrador (Emissions Reduction Fund)
COLLABORATORS: Memorial University of Newfoundland, Dalhousie University, Royal Halloway University of London, Environmental Defense Fund, PAL Airlines
DESCRIPTION: In this project, we collected methane emissions from offshore oil and gas facilities (SeaRose, Hibernian, and Hebron) with an aircraft equipped with Picarro 2210-I gas analyzer and Aventech wind measurement system using top-down emission rate retrieval algorithm (TERRA) based on a mass balance. Data products compare reported values and emission rates measured during the campaign. Results were also compared to rates from offshore platforms all around the world.
PROJECT: Measuring atmospheric methane in the eastern Canadian Arctic Ocean (2021, 2022)
FUNDER: Amundsen Science, ArcticNet, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
COLLABORATORS: Dalhousie University, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography
DESCRIPTION: We aim to create a baseline study of atmospheric methane concentrations collected onboard the research vessel CCGS Amundsen to better understand methane levels in remote areas affected by sub-surface processes.
PROJECT: Development of a quantitative framework for methane emissions from soil gas migration issues in the oil and gas sector
FUNDER: Petroleum Technology Alliance of Canada (Alberta Upstream Petroleum Research Fund) and Mitacs (2020-2022)
COLLABORATORS: University of Windsor, Chemistry Matters Inc., Eosense Inc.
DESCRIPTION: We aim to address measurement, regulatory, and technology gaps in fugitive methane emissions from soil gas migration surrounding oil and gas wells. We measured soil gas flux on well sites in Brooks, AB using surface flux chambers to detect methane, carbon dioxide, and isotopic methane. This data will be used to determine any relationships between gas migration and meteorological, geological, and chemical parameters, and well attributes.
PROJECT: Evaluation, quantification and identification of pathways and targets for the assessment of shale gas risk
FUNDER: Natural Environment Research Council UK (2018-2022)
COLLABORATORS: University of York (lead), British Geological Survey
DESCRIPTION: The project identified and characterized multiple pathways within the shallow subsurface and the atmosphere which link sources of contamination and hazards associated with shale gas operations to human and sensitive environmental receptors, and surface infrastructure
PROJECT: Understanding Emissions from Service Events and Infrastructure, Emissions and Geochemistry of Surface Casing Vent Flow and Gas Migration Emissions
FUNDER: Whitecap Resources Limited (2018 – 2022)
DESCRIPTION: This project helps an energy company gain information on their own air emission patterns, frequency, and distribution at a large development.
PROJECT: Fugitive emission management program effectiveness assessment for British Columbia (2021 – 2022)
FUNDER: British Columbia Oil and Gas Research and Innovation
COLLABORATORS: Pembina Institute
DESCRIPTION: Objectives of this project were to: 1) Assess the effectiveness of Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) surveys and screening in reducing fugitive emissions relative to the baseline year (2012, 2014); 2) Assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and cost of the survey methods included in the regulations, using regulatory data collected in 2020.
PROJECT: Canadian Emissions Reductions Innovation Consortium (CanERIC) (2020-2022)
FUNDER: Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada
COLLABORATORS: Canadian Emissions Reduction Innovation Network (CERIN)
DESCRIPTION: Our role was threefold: 1) To provide indoor facilities to bench test stationary or drone sensor performance; 2)Offer hands-on professional training in gas measurement to industry and regulatory staff; 3) To support computational infrastructure for quality assurance and reporting of industry gas measurement.
PROJECT: Methane Abatement Simulation Project
FUNDER: The McCall MacBain Foundation (2020-2021)
COLLABORATORS: Arolytics Inc., Pembina Institute, Environmental Defense Fund
DESCRIPTION: We aimed to show the economic attractiveness of “smart” methane measurement for cost reduction, and will conduct simulations and analysis to show that 1) compliance cost doesn’t need to be intolerable, 2) that much larger abatement is possible at present-day costs, and 3) that collaboration between companies will help decrease cost.
PROJECT: Identify and quantify natural gas fugitive and vented emissions at oil and gas sites in Saskatchewan
FUNDER: Environment and Climate Change Canada (2020-2021)
DESCRIPTION: With truck-based measurement and FLIR (forward looking infrared) camera field campaigns we identified, quantified and pinpointed methane emission source(s) at sites across Saskatchewan.
PROJECT: Defining and Improving Accuracy, Precision, and Minimum Detection Levels, of Truck-based Gas Leak Surveys
FUNDER: Mitacs (2019-2021)
COLLABORATORS: Altus Geomatics
DESCRIPTION: This research had three objectives: 1) Decrease quantification uncertainty by one-third, by developing improved plume processing tools and approaches; 2) Identify and manually investigate outlier measurements amongst the tens of thousands of measurements already done by StFX and Altus Geomatics, to determine the preconditions that result in outliers; 3) Use field-like controlled gas releases to continue improve and quantify sensitivity.
PROJECT: Drone-based gas measurement development
FUNDER: ISS Aerospace (2019)
DESCRIPTION: We custom built high precision electrochemical SO2 and H2S sensors designed to mount on high-mileage drones, and we provide data analytic support.
PROJECT: Third-party assessment of satellite-based methane sensor
FUNDER: Bluefield (2019)
DESCRIPTION: Multiple controlled release experiments were conducted outside helped Bluefield understand their sensor’s detection abilities under different atmospheric conditions.
PROJECT: Analyze western Canadian vented volumes and infrastructure locations to identify high density sources of gas that would meet funder’s needs for a pilot gas capture operation
FUNDER: Denova (2019)
DESCRIPTION: This Halifax based company produces proteins from waste and is interested in utilizing unsequestered methane in their operations.
PROJECT: Methane Emissions Data Aggregation and Analysis Project for FEMP-EA and Canadian Context: Resources, Patterns, and Measurement Methodology Performance
FUNDER: Petroleum Technology Alliance of Canada, via the Alberta Upstream Petroleum Research Fund (2018-19)
COLLABORATORS: Cenovus Energy, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
DESCRIPTION: The Fugitive Emission Management Program Effectiveness Assessment Study (FEMP-EA) represents the first coordinated industry effort on methane emission reductions. Our role in this project was to provide data science to help increase value from the large investment in field work.
PROJECT: Statistical Analysis of Oil and Gas Field Measurement Data
FUNDER: Environment and Climate Change Canada (2018)
DESCRIPTION: Statistical analysis of field measurement data of methane emissions from oil and gas facilities were performed in order to improve oil and gas emissions quantification models.
PROJECT: Multi-gas sensor arrays for methane emission detection
FUNDER: NSERC CRD (2018-2021)
COLLABORATORS: Eosense Inc.
DESCRIPTION: We worked with Eosense to develop low-cost in-situ gas detection analyzers for a variety of applications in oil and gas, and on both gas migration and atmospheric detection attribution.
PROJECT: To Identify and Quantify the Sources of Emissions within an Oil and Gas Site
FUNDER: Environment and Climate Change Canada (2018)
DESCRIPTION: This project, on CHOPS infrastructure, was to help inform federal scientists of leaking infrastructure and measures leak volume.
PROJECT: Understanding Emissions from Service Events and Infrastructure, Emissions and Geochemistry of Surface Casing Vent Flow and Gas Migration Emissions
FUNDER: Whitecap Resources Limited (2018)
DESCRIPTION: This project helped an energy company gain information on their own air emission patterns, frequency, and distribution at a large development.
PROJECT: Fugitive Emission satellite change detection algorithms
FUNDER: Cenovus Energy, Petroleum Technology Alliance of Canada (2017-2018)
COLLABORATORS: Cenovus Energy, Petroleum Technology Alliance of Canada (industry consortium)
DESCRIPTION: This project involved development of change detection algorithms for satellite-based fugitive emissions sensing.
PROJECT: Gas Seepage Project (GaSP) – Atlantic Canada
FUNDER: NRCan Energy Innovation Program (2017-2018)
COLLABORATORS: Dalhousie University (lead), University of New Brunswick, Eosense, SkySquirrel, EMG Consulting, EXP
DESCRIPTION: This one year project sought to develop a methane inventory from historic abandoned fossil fuel (coal and oil & gas) extraction sites in the Maritimes, and to quantify gas migration rates at impacted wells with survey and continuous monitoring techniques.
PROJECT: Drone-based emissions measurement at oil sands mining operations
FUNDER: NSERC CRD – plus other sources (SAIT PI, 2017-2019)
COLLABORATORS: SAIT, Canadian Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (multiple sponsor companies), Saskatchewan Research Council, others.
DESCRIPTION: This project helped intercompare various drone-sensor combinations for making emissions measurements at oil sands mining operations.
PROJECT: Fugitive Emissions Across Alberta Oil and Gas Developments
FUNDER: NSERC CRD (2017-2018)
COLLABORATORS: Petroleum Technology Alliance of Canada (industry consortium)
DESCRIPTION: This project is intended to enumerate fugitive and vented emissions of methane across several prominent upstream developments in Alberta – Red Deer and others not yet covered. One of the data products will be a large-scale comparison (thousands of pieces of infrastructure) of these developments. Campaigns will cover >10,000 km.
PROJECT: Montney gas migration injection experiment
FUNDER: Collaboratively funded (2017-)
COLLABORATORS: UBC, University of Calgary, Eosense, GeoscienceBC, BC OGC
DESCRIPTION: This project focused on methane detection at the soil surface at a simulated well integrity breach experiment in northeastern BC.
PROJECT: Developing large-footprint leak detection strategies for Enhanced Oil Recovery
FUNDER: Altus Geomatics, NSERC I2I IIB (2017-2019)
COLLABORATORS: Altus Geomatics
DESCRIPTION: In this project we refined a vehicle-based fugitive emission detection technology, and undertake technology transfer to an industry partner.
PROJECT: Urban biogenic fugitive emissions
FUNDER: Collaboratively funded StFX / UToronto (2017)
COLLABORATORS: Debra Wunch, University of Toronto
DESCRIPTION: This project focused on landfill, sewage, and other related biogenic and urban methane emissions in Toronto.
PROJECT: Surface Geochemical Monitoring, Aquistore CCS Project
FUNDER: Petroleum Technology Research Centre (2015-2021)
COLLABORATORS: Petroleum Technology Research Centre
DESCRIPTION: This research focused on detecting fugitive gases related to a larege-scale CO2 injection and storage project.
PROJECT: Vehicle based measurement of fugitive and vented emissions on Apache’s Midale enhanced oil recovery field.
FUNDER: NSERC Engage Grant (2016)
COLLABORATORS: Apache Canada Corporation, Glowink
DESCRIPTION: This project helped an energy company gain information on their own emission patterns, frequency, and distribution at a large development with extensive on-pad fugitive emission surveys. The project involved six weeks onsite.
PROJECT: Fugitive Emissions Surveying for the Energy Sector
FUNDER: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (2015-2019)
COLLABORATORS: Altus Geomatics, Cenovus Energy, Glowink, Dr. Owen Sherwood, Dr. Bruce Vaughn, Dr. Dave Lowry, Dr. Michael McCawley, Dr. Natalie Pekney (US Department of Energy / National Energy Technologies Laboratory), Dr. Diego Riveros-Iregui, Debra Wunch, Dr. Shao-Meng Li (Environment and Climate Change Canada), Saskatchewan Ministry of the Environment, David Suzuki Foundation, Alphamantis.
DESCRIPTION: This project helped advance vehicle-based gas detection technology.
PROJECT: Mobile H2S Emissions Survey: Oxbow/Glen Ewen Area of South East Saskatchewan.
FUNDER: Saskatchewan Research Council (2016)
COLLABORATORS: Saskatchewan Research Council, Saskatchewan Ministry of Economy
DESCRIPTION: This project studied hydrogen sulfide emissions within a gas conservation region set in place by the Saskatchewan Government in 2014.
PROJECT: Fugitive Emissions from a large-scale Enhanced Oil Recovery project
FUNDER: NSERC CRD, Cenovus Energy (2015-2017)
COLLABORATORS: Cenovus Energy
DESCRIPTION: In this project we accomplished extensive fugitive emission surveys on roughly 1000 well pads – at repeat intervals through the year to document emission patterns and severity for the operator. These campaigns had a StFX technician working in embedded fashion with Cenovus onsite for 6 months. As part of this project we also did studies of SCVF geochemistries and airborne detection of same.
PROJECT: Cost reduction for a new multi-scale fugitive gas detection tool
FUNDER: NSERC Idea to Innovation (2015-2016)
COLLABORATORS: Altus Geomatics, Cenovus Energy
DESCRIPTION: This technology development project looked at miniaturizing a new technology, so that sensors on vehicles can passively collect emissions data for cloud-based processing.
PROJECT: Vehicle-based fugitive emission detection and attribution within Alberta energy developments.
FUNDER: Petroleum Technology Alliance of Canada, via the Alberta Upstream Petroleum Research Fund – and multiple industry sponsors (2016-2017)
DESCRIPTION: Mobile baseline emissions surveys that collect data on a suite of gases including methane, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide, conducted within Medicine Hat, Lloydminster, and Peace River, Alberta. One of the resultant data products was a large-scale comparison (thousands of pieces of infrastructure) of these fields. Campaigns covered >10,000 km.
PROJECT: Fugitive Emissions in the Montney Shale Gas Play, Northern British Columbia
FUNDER: David Suzuki Foundation (2015-2016)
DESCRIPTION: This project consisted of large fugitive emission survey campaigns across several thousand wells and facilities in northeastern British Columbia. Campaigns covered >10,000 km.
PROJECT: Fugitive Emissions in the Bakken, Southeastern Saskatchewan
FUNDER: Environment and Climate Change Canada (2016)
COLLABORATORS: Environment and Climate Change Canada
DESCRIPTION: This project consisted of fugitive emission survey campaigns across several hundred wells and facilities in southeastern Saskatchewan. Campaigns covered ~3,000 km.
PROJECT: Baseline detection surveys and intercomparison work, Vermont Gas
FUNDER: Vermont Gas (2016)
COLLABORATORS: Glowink
DESCRIPTION: This project consisted of baseline surveys in a new pipeline corridor, and within a regional gas distribution supply network. Campaigns covered ~3,000 km.
PROJECT: Fugitive Emissions at an urban gas production site at the Marcellus Shale Energy and Environment Laboratory (MSEEL)
FUNDER: Collaboratively funded StFX / National Energy Technologies Lab (NETL) (2015-2016)
COLLABORATORS: National Energy Technologies Lab (NETL) / US Department of Energy
DESCRIPTION: This project consisted of repeated fugitive emission survey campaigns through drilling, fracturing, and production at a shale gas site within an urban setting in West Virginia.
PROJECT: Atmospheric leak detection as a tool for bitumen steam chamber and well integrity risk assessment
FUNDER: Natural Resources Canada – Eco-Energy Innovation Initiative (2015-2016)
COLLABORATORS: Cenovus Energy, MEGEnergy, Shell, University of Calgary, Carbon Management Canada
DESCRIPTION: This project took a leak detection strategy developed for enhanced oil recovery by StFX, and applied it at oil sands projects for detecting well or caprock integrity issues.
PROJECT: Use of mobile leak detection technology for use in exploration and development of coal seams and gas deposits
FUNDER: NSERC Engage Grant (2015)
COLLABORATORS: St. Brendan’s Exploration Ltd.
DESCRIPTION: A comparison of a mobile survey technique to traditional ground-based exploration survey techniques to assess the feasibility of the mobile technique as an exploration tool.
PROJECT: Addressing the problem of methane release from ecosystems and infrastructure
FUNDER: NSERC Discovery (2014-2019)
DESCRIPTION: This project looks at potential for emissions from improperly sealed historic onshore oil and gas wells in the Maritimes.
PROJECT: Surface Containment Monitoring for Carbon Capture and Storage
FUNDER: Cenovus Energy, Eco-Energy Initiative II – Natural Resources Canada (2012-2016)
COLLABORATORS: Cenovus Energy, Picarro, Glowink, Campbell Scientific, Altus Geomatics; Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment; Southeastern Saskatchewan Airshed Association
DESCRIPTION: This project related to intercomparison of large footprint techniques for measuring fugitive gases. The fugitive gases of interest included CO2, CH4, H2S, and stable isotopes of carbon. This project strongly focused on vehicle-based detection and development of related algorithms. Two R&D / air quality awards came from this work, plus a large-scale comparison (thousands of pieces of infrastructure) of the Bakken and Weyburn-Midale fields. Read (in english or french) about its outcomes.
PROJECT: Subsea gas leak detection
FUNDER: Encana (2014-2015)
COLLABORATORS: University of Victoria
DESCRIPTION: In this project we developed a subsea-capable fiber optic sensor capable of direct gas measurement in aqueous environments. The sensor was subsequently patented, and also tested in downhole environments.
