Orphan wells—the forgotten relics of the oil and gas industry—are a major environmental threat. Many emit methane (a potent greenhouse gas; primary component of natural gas) at an alarming rate, and one that may actually be severely downplayed. A recent McGill University study revealed that methane emissions from these wells are underestimated by 150% in Canada and 20% in the US, making them the 10th and 11th largest sources of anthropogenic (human origin) methane in these countries.
Why does this matter?
Methane has an 87 times greater warming potential than CO2 over a 20-year period. Miscalculation, inaccurate assessment, and sometimes completely nonexistent monitoring of orphan well emissions measurements have the potential for dire consequences. The world needs a solution, and Ventmedic Corporation is providing one. Our technology is revolutionizing how the industry tackles orphan well emissions. We’re replacing outdated and archaic methods with accurate, auditable, and NIST-traceable data. Let us show you why precise methane measurement matters, and how we’re taking this issue head on.
Inaccurate Measurement: Fueling the Crisis of Tomorrow
“We estimate the number of abandoned wells to be at least 4,000,000 wells for the U.S. and at least 370,000 for Canada.”
—Kang et al., Environmental Science & Technology (2021)
Orphan wells are often neglected and undocumented. Estimates in Canada and the United States are in the tens and hundreds of thousands, respectively, for orphan wells that are completely missing from regulatory databases. In what other industry—let alone one so consequential to the planet—is this type of dismissiveness acceptable?
These wells often leak methane due to ineffective plugging or natural degradation, which can contribute to climate change and silently infringe on regulatory risks. Modern methods of detection are anachronistic, to say the least…
Bubble tests (yes, literally somebody looking for bubbles in a volume of water) and gas detectors (which may detect the presence of methane, but lack accuracy in low-flow or variable conditions) are simply inadequate for addressing this issue. They fail to measure the actual amount of methane being released, resulting in gross underreporting and unreliable data;
non-compliance, fines, and missed opportunities for carbon credit revenue are the inevitable results.
Methane regulations are tightening, and global awareness of environmental issues continues to climb—the shortcomings of past measurement methods simply do not make the cut in this rapidly changing industry. The need for reliable measurement is both urgent and necessary.
VENTMEDiCR: A Precision-Powered Approach
Ventmedic Corporation is changing the world of emissions management. Our contemporary digital Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) system is designed specifically for low-flow methane sources like orphan wells. It delivers auditable, NIST-traceable mass flow data, and sets a new standard for the accuracy of orphan wells emissions measurement.
Here’s what sets us apart:
● Precision: Our system measures gas flow from 0.0002 to 250 SLPM with ±0.6% accuracy, offering reliable data for wells leaking below 300m3/day.
● Autonomous: Solar powered and equipped with remote monitoring. This allows VentMEDIC to reduce testing costs by up to 70%, while at the same time facilitating months-long, uninterrupted data collection.
● Compliance: Blockchain-secured, auditable data to help you meet the highest ESG and environmental standards; you’ll avoid regulatory penalties and boost credibility simultaneously.
● Incentives: Accurate methane mass flow measurements can unlock financial incentives through carbon credit programs, which reward companies that provide verified emissions reductions.
Paving the Path to Sustainability & Profitability
When oil and gas companies decide to integrate the power of VENTMEDiCR into their operations, the topic of orphan wells transitions from issue to opportunity.
Quantify leaks.
Reduce emissions.
Qualify for financial incentives.
It is really almost that simple.
We’ll take you the rest of the way…
The days of antiquated orphan well emissions measurements are gone—VENTMEDiCR helps you measure, analyze, and reduce methane emissions with confidence. Backed by 25+ years of industry experience, we help you achieve your green initiatives and sustainability goals, while at the same time improving your bottom line. Contact us today to get started on this path, together.This is only possible with the right data. The potential to turn an environmental liability into a strategic (and lucrative) asset is possible—we’re here to turn that possibility into a reality.
