ABSTRACT: Reducing Methane Leakage at the Wellsite-Results of the Natural Gas STAR Well Demonstration Program

MARTIN, JOHN P., New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Albany, NY

Methane is emitted into the environment during the production of petroleum and natural gas with two results: 1) an increase in a greenhouse gas potentially impacting global climate change, and 2) lost revenues by the operator. Methods exist that can economically reduce the emission of methane into the environment; however, the variety of producing formations and basins may require different approaches. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the United States Environmental Protection Agency designed this program to demonstrate a prototype system of well improvements to increase overall well efficiency and reduce methane emissions into the environment. Demonstration wellsites were selected in New York, Michigan, Colorado, and Texas. Though each demonstration varied in cost and scale, all four successfully demonstrated that operators can economically reduce methane emissions. Ultimately, the program should help accelerate the reduction of methane emissions as operators adopt these cost-effective technologies and practices.

Search and Discovery Article #90907©2000 AAPG Eastern Section Meeting, London, Ontario, Canada