Measurement of Associated Gas and Venting Volumes at CHOPS Sites in Alberta and Saskatchewan (CHOPS GOR)

Kyla Clarke, Saskatchewan Research Council

September 2022

Abstract

This is the final report of a project to evaluate associated and vent gas measurement in the CHOPS (cold heavy oil production with sand) sector in Alberta and Saskatchewan. This project starts off with a review of the gaps in CHOPS gas measurement. Next, SRC completed field testing at CHOPS sites to assess methodologies for measuring associated gas, vent gas and methane emissions from casing gas. Then SRC field-tested various methodologies and technologies for measuring CHOPS tank vent gas. The field-testing indicates that measurement of CHOPS gas, venting, and methane emissions will improve with direct measurement methodologies. SRC provides recommendations to address two key issues related to methane emissions which are measurement accuracy and a perceived gap between reported venting and regional emissions.