Capturing fugitive methane emissions from natural gas compressor buildings

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Energy Sector Studies

Background:

• Fugitive methane emissions constitute 50% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Canada's conventional oil and gas sector.
• Compressor stations are significant sources of these emissions due to leaks, incomplete combustion, and instrument venting.
• Low methane concentrations (below 5-16% flammability limits) prevent conventional combustion destruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of capturing fugitive methane emissions from a compressor station.
• To model airflow patterns and methane dispersion within a compressor station building.
• To determine optimal conditions for methane capture for subsequent destruction.

Main Methods:

• Utilized computer modeling to simulate airflow and methane dispersion patterns.
• Analyzed the influence of building features (doors, vents) and leak locations on emission flow.
• Simulated controlled extraction rates through the ridge vent.

Main Results:

• Methane primarily exits through the ridge vent when doors are closed.
• Controlled ridge vent extraction effectively concentrates methane emissions.
• Achieved methane concentrations in the range of 0.1-1% by volume, suitable for catalytic destruction.

Conclusions:

• Fugitive methane capture from compressor stations is technically feasible.
• Optimized ventilation strategies, specifically ridge vent extraction, are key to concentrating emissions.
• This approach enables effective destruction of low-concentration methane, mitigating GHG emissions from the oil and gas industry.