WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2022

9:00 – 9:45 a.m. :: Overview of Current LDAR Regulations

Federal and state guidelines that apply to methane emissions in the oil and gas sectors aim to control methane emissions and reduce the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released into the air. As responsibly sourced gas grows in popularity, some oil and gas companies have taken on voluntary leak detection and repair (LDAR) measures to provide for both greater worker safety and sustainable commodities. This session will provide an update of the regulatory drivers for upstream and midstream methane emissions reduction efforts from the oil and gas sectors as well as an examination of voluntary guidance and initiatives from industry stakeholders.

Will Gibson, Management Consultant, Natural Gas Engineering, ABS Group

9:45 – 10:45 a.m. :: Comparing Leak Detection Technologies and Instrumentation

What are the considerations when energy producers and distributors are weighing their options—handheld devices, walking, mobile, and aerial inspections, infrared and laser absorption spectroscopy, open path detection, remote technologies—for locating leaks? What is the best strategy for measuring and comparing the time and labor requirements, the cost, the return on the investment, and the overall effectiveness of the available options? This presentation will examine the benefits and trade-offs of leak detection technologies on the market.

Milton Heath III, Director of Global Business Development, Heath Consultants

10:45 – 11:00 a.m. :: Morning Break

11:00 – 11:45 a.m. :: Quantifying and Reporting Methane Emissions

For many years, the regulatory and industry focus was centered on leak detection, and cost-effective quantification from entire sites was not possible. Technological advances and a renewed focus on identifying the largest sources of emissions have opened pathways and the impetus to focus on questions about leak volume, mass flow sampling, and tools for accurate measurement. This session will look at advances in quantification and continuous monitoring of infrastructure as well as proposed changes in the methodologies used for leak rate characterization for reporting.

Rob Wilson, Vice President Marketing and Sales, Sensors, Inc

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. :: Lunch Break

12:45 – 1: 30 p.m. :: Building Blocks of a Quality LDAR Program

A quality LDAR program consists of five elements: identifying components, leak definition, monitoring components, repairing components, and recordkeeping/reporting. The primary sources of methane emissions in upstream and midstream operations are leaking equipment: valves, pumps,  compressors, flanges, connectors, and other forms of piping. This presentation will discuss a best practices regime for identifying, inventorying, maintaining, and monitoring components subject to LDAR requirements as well as best processes for recordkeeping to facilitate compliance.

Christoff Orr, Consultant, Trinity Consultants

Dan Schmucker, Senior Consultant, Trinity Consultants

1:30 to 2:30 p.m. :: Case Study: Diversified Energy’s Leak Detection and Remediation Program

Diversified Energy, the largest well owner in the United States, has committed to improved environmental performance through emissions reductions as part of the company Smarter Asset Management programs as well as ESG initiatives. This presentation will examine the strategies being employed by the company to create an emissions reduction program that exceeds existing state and federal regulatory requirements governing methane emissions.

Paul Espenen, Senior Vice President, EH&S, Diversified Energy

2:30 – 2:45 p.m. :: Afternoon Break

2:45 – 3:30 p.m. :: Blowdown Recovery System

The largest source of methane emissions associated with taking compressors off-line is from the blow down or venting of gas remaining in the compressor. This case study will spotlight ZEVAC technology, which promises to mitigate the venting, flaring, and release of emission associated with main replacement, pigging, hot tapping, and line repairs, tie-ins, and maintenance.

Doug Sahm, President, TPE Midstream

3:30 – 4:15 p.m. :: Case Study: Leak Detection and Repair in Midstream Operations

Key aspects of any effort to reduce operational emissions include a robust LDAR program, the application of cutting-edge technologies, energy efficient equipment upgrades, and a culture of responsibility regarding emissions management. This case study presentation will discuss one midstream company’s management of its pipelines, gathering systems, and processing plants to ensure operational efficiency and integrity and identify and rectify any potential methane and VOC emission from its operations in accordance with LDAR regulations.