Projects
Well-respected research is the cornerstone of our work. Our projects are focused on building long-term understanding and filling in gaps in the scientific body of knowledge that informs emissions reduction strategies.
Results will be reviewed by an external Scientific Advisory Board, and our team will work to disseminate the results and launch external engagement strategies to broadcast our findings to the broader research community.
All of this is made possible by combining resources into a single unified approach that leverages all datasets, avoids redundancy, and maximizes efficiency.
Past Projects
Identified and quantified high-emitting equipment to more effectively prioritize, repair and mitigate leaks.
Permian Emissions Survey By Equipment Type
Researchers identified and quantified high-emitting pieces of equipment within the Permian basin—informing resource prioritization for repair of leaking equipment. Using anonymous baseline leak rate data from equipment, researchers analyzed the frequency and volume of emissions by equipment type. This information is crucial in determining the most effective mitigation strategies and how best to deploy resources to address leaks.
Designed to be the most comprehensive methane emission estimation tool for production available today.
Methane Emission Estimation Tool (MEET)
The Methane Emissions Estimation Tool (MEET) is a computer model built to simulate methane and other hydrocarbon emissions from the onshore natural gas industry over time. The goal of the MEET model is to develop a freely available and flexible tool for constructing methane emission inventories representative of several key production areas.
This open-source model gathers emissions and activity data from published research, or from custom data entered by the user, to allow for customization and/or aggregation of emission estimates across a variety of scales. Segments and modules of the model include onshore well sites, compression and boosting, and emissions composition estimation. The results offer an open-source emission estimation tool representative of realistic emission patterns for equipment types – not simple steady state emission assumptions.
Real-world testing compared the accuracy and efficacy of commercially available, high-frequency sensors.
Project Astra: Fixed Sensor Network Intercomparison
Researchers performed real-world testing to determine the accuracy and efficacy of commercially available, high-frequency sensors. Part of Project Astra, the study involved collecting and analyzing continuous emissions monitoring data from production sites.
Over the course of the study, researchers assessed, tested and qualified sensors in real-world operating conditions and compared the results to established baselines. The goal of the study was to answer a few key questions:
- What precision and accuracy can low-cost methane sensors provide?
- What is the date capture rate?
- Does performance change over time?
An important building block in understanding developing capabilities and limitations of methane-based satellite detection systems.
Satellite-Based Measurement Data
This study advances understanding of methane emissions by exploring the capabilities and limitations of today’s satellite-based methane detection technologies, methods and data analytics.
Methane-detection capability is an important factor in the effort to reduce carbon emissions. Satellite detection technology study helps to complement current on-the-ground and aerial measurement and expertise with the growing body of satellite measurement. Supporting technological advances in monitoring methane emissions through elevated remote sensing technology is an imperative step in enhancing industry success is this arena.
First-of-a-kind study directly measuring methane and CO2 emissions of an operating LNG vessel.
Measuring Offshore LNG Emissions
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London completed a first-of-a-kind study directly measuring emissions of an operating LNG vessel.
Currently, there are no credible, independent datasets on emissions associated with offshore LNG transport. For this study, researchers quantified methane and CO2 emissions and identified reduction potential. The data produced from this project can be used to compare emissions profiles of diesel-powered vintage vessels with newer, greener fleets coming on line every year – demonstrating emissions reduction within the value chain.
Current Projects
Ongoing project to validate the MEET model in real-world scenarios and develop minute-by-minute emissions profiles for equipment under different operating conditions.
Project Astra: Digital Twin Methane Monitoring Network
Researchers are currently developing digital simulations (“digital twins”) to determine the design of a sensor mesh network. Part of Project Astra, the study is currently underway and will completed in 2022.
The emission estimates are based on the Methane Emission Estimation Tool (MEET), developed with CAMS support to allow researchers to estimate emissions, minute by minute, from hundreds of sites. These emissions are then linked to atmospheric dispersion models, which estimate methane concentrations each minute over the duration of the project at a spatial resolution of 100 meters.