Clearing the Air: Aerial Methane Detection to Reduce Risk and Offer Better Use of Capital
Delivering better data to make better decisions and investments.
Okanagan Mountain Helicopters in conjunction with LaSen Inc. provides an unparalleled system of methane leak detection:
- Introduced in Canada in 2014 for pipeline leak detection; over 250,000 kilometers flown in Canada, over 1,000,000 kilometres in North America
- From 2017 to 2023, leak surveys for over 1000 abandoned wells in Northeast British Columbia
- Accurately identified between 1-3% leaking abandoned wells*
- Western Canadian regulators require that well license holders are responsible for wells even after abandonment – obligation remains in perpetuity.
*Previous ground-based studies suggested much higher leak rates for abandoned wells. The BC studies are confirming lower leak rates and more accurate methane atmospheric release data.
| Ideal for: | |
| Regulators | Obtain a representative area-based sampling of decommissioned wells for statistical failure ratesResults can assist in developing abandonment or closure requirementsFactual basis for estimating methane emissions to meet global emissions targetsCan be used for cost estimation for Orphan Well abandonment programs |
| Companies Acquiring Assets | If suspended or abandoned wells are included in asset purchases, leaking wells can add a significant risk and cost to the acquiring partyShould be part of any pre-purchase due-diligence assessment |
| Companies Retaining Assets | Better estimate of future liabilitiesMore accurate budgeting and use of capitalAccurate estimation of total methane emissions for regulation purposesPre due-diligence when disposition is considered |
- Laser detection with Unparallel Accuracy
- Able to survey sites inaccessible for ground based surveys
- Cost savings
- Reduced survey time (~10 minutes per well)
- Survey up to 40 wells per day
- Results help reduce remediation planning costs
- Photo and video record is provided for historical purposes
- Common causes of abandoned well leaks
- Insufficient cement plug length to hold back pressurePoor quality “dump bailed” cementImproperly placed plugCorrosionOccurs across uncemented casing sectionsEarly regulations did not require cement to surfaceCorrosion continues with timeShallow gas reservoirs
- With corroded casing, gas flows to surface
