The goal of this project is to implement a comprehensive process of protocol development and testing to accelerate the adoption of natural gas leak detection and quantification (LDAQ) solutions by natural gas operators, and their approval by cognizant regulatory authorities. 

Colorado State University - Fort Collins, CO 80521
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology - Harrisburg, PA 17101
University of Texas Arlington - Arlington, TX 76019
The University of Texas at Austin - Austin, TX 78713

Since new LDAQ solutions operate differently than current regulatory-approved solutions, there is a need to evaluate solutions against a common set of standards to reliably assess their effectiveness and accuracy. Trusted assessments will streamline the adoption of more accurate and cost-effective technologies, improving both the efficiency and safety of the natural gas transportation infrastructure and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This project will (1) develop test protocols for LDAQ methods and perform controlled testing at CSU’s Methane Emissions Technology Evaluation Center (METEC); (2) develop protocols for a field testing of solutions and conduct comprehensive field trials of multiple LDAQ solutions on a variety of oil and natural gas facilities; and (3) demonstrate methods to evaluate the control efficacy of LDAQ solutions using simulation software developed in parallel projects.

The project will move a set of qualified LDAQ solutions through testing and demonstration, but the primary deliverable is to develop a process whereby any solution can move through testing and qualification. This project will provide testing protocols for LDAQ solutions and demonstrate a process for testing, analysis and adoption and/or regulatory approval. These steps are necessary for state or federal regulatory emissions programs to approve solutions or for operators to select solutions for internal emissions reduction programs.

• Protocol development committee (PDC) formed and includes >75 participating organizations.Initial protocols for continuous monitoring solutions and survey solutions developed and reviewed by Protocol development committee (PDC)
• Virtual PDC meetings hosted to aid in the development and review of the initial protocols.
• Controlled release experiments completed for a variety of continuous monitoring systems following the continuous monitoring protocol.
• Conducted controlled release experiments for a variety of survey systems following the survey protocol.
• Completed an internal revision of survey test protocol to include guidance for testing aerial survey methods (planes and satellite).
• Continued to build engagement with additional operators for participation in field trials. More than 15 operators engaged in participating in the field trial. This will include at least one operator  in the production, gathering, and distribution sectors.
• Conducted multiple meetings with operators to develop the field test plan.
• Field trial plan submitted to DOE. Field trial will be performed in several shorter deployments with an intensive logistics planning session in advance of each deployment.
• Field deployment activities have been completed for an initial test in in Wyoming and a second deployment in the Appalachian Basin.
• Completed testing of continuous monitoring solutions at METEC following the continuous monitoring protocol.
• Analysis of continuous monitoring performance completed, an results provided to participants.

The project continues to conduct controlled testing of LDAQ solutions at the METEC site and field locations. LDAQ solutions tested include a range of continuous monitoring and survey systems. Results from these tests are being used to refine the protocols developed in Budget Period 1. The project plans to conduct a third field testing campaign in the Appalachian Basin in Spring of 2023.

$2,056,886

$536,450

NETL — Stephen Henry (stephen.henry@netl.doe.gov or 304-285-2083)
Colorado State University — Daniel Zimmerle (dan.zimmerle@colostate.edu or 970-581-9945)