WorldWide Drilling Resource

Methane Research Continues Adapted from a Press Release by ExxonMobil ExxonMobil subsidiary XTO Energy recently expanded its methane emissions reduction program at its production and midstream facilities across the United States. “We are implementing an enhanced leak detection and repair program across our production and midstream sites to continually reduce methane emissions, and are also evaluat- ing opportunities to upgrade facilities and improve efficiency at both current and future sites,” said XTO President Sara Ortwein. “Our comprehensive initiative is underscored by a technology research and testing effort, and includes personnel training, equipment phase out, and facility design improve- ments.” The program includes a commitment to phase out high- bleed pneumatic devices over three years. Pneumatic devices are valves which occasionally vent built-up pressure for safety and to maintain system integrity. The program also includes extensive personnel training, research, and facility design improvements for new operations. Recently, XTO Energy completed a pilot project in Texas’ Midland Basin. The project tested new low-emission designs using compressed air instead of natural gas for pneumatic equipment regulating conditions such as level, flow, pressure, and temperature. The results confirmed the possibility of using similar designs for new and existing central tank batteries and satellites to reduce the potential for methane emissions. Research with ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company and third-party equipment manufacturers continue searching for more efficient, state-of-the-art equipment to detect, quantify, and reduce emissions at production sites. “Combining our field experience with the research capa- bilities at ExxonMobil upstream research provides us with unique insights as we look to develop and deploy new, more efficient technologies,” Ortwein said. ExxonMobil remains active in ongoing methane research, including participation in a methane measurement reconcilia- t ion study wi th the Depar tment of Energy’s Nat ional Renewable Energy Laboratory, and in supporting research currently underway at Harvard, the University of Texas Energy Initiative, and Stanford University’s Natural Gas Initiative. The company plans to share the program and practices with the industry through trade associations and symposiums. 38 AUGUST 2018 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® G&O