Decreases in atmospheric pressure can result in a 20-fold increase in fugitive methane emissions from leaking onshore oil and gas wells, according to research from the University of British Columbia. The study, published today in Nature Geoscience, found that when air temperatures are above freezing at an offshore well, leakage rates rise by up to 20 per cent compared with levels below freezing. Atmospheric pressure and emissions were then monitored for 24 days, controlling for depth and rate of well leakage. The researchers said the results indicate current monitoring strategies may not be accurate, and that frequent or continuous monitoring is needed at sites with a deep water table.
Decreases in atmospheric pressure can result in a 20-fold increase in fugitive methane emissions from leaking onshore oil and gas wells, according to research from the University of British Columbia. Researchers injected 30 cubic metres of natural gas for five days 12 metres below the surface at a test site in northern British Columbia. Atmospheric pressure and emissions were then monitored for 24 days, controlling for depth and rate of well leakage. The researchers said the results indicate current monitoring strategies may not be accurate, and that frequent or continuous monitoring is needed at sites with a deep water table.