Why Fugitive Emission Leak Detection is Critical for SAGD Operations

Bitumen produced from oil sands, largely by SAGD (Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage), is the largest component of Alberta’s oil and gas production, and these operations are set to continue to provide the backbone of the province’s oil and gas industry. However, as environmental regulations grow stricter and SAGD wells age, becoming less cost-efficient, it is increasingly important for SAGD operations to focus on fugitive emissions leak detection and repair.

Reducing fugitive emissions is critical to protect the environment, operator safety, and profitability. In this article, we’ll look at the reasons SAGD operations need to prioritize fugitive emissions leak detection and how getting an expert evaluation can help reduce emissions throughout the process.

Sources of Fugitive Emissions in SAGD Operations

Fugitive emissions come from almost every part of the oil and gas process, including processing plants, pipelines, and oil fields. However, upstream sources like SAGD are the biggest contributors.

SAGD operations are particularly susceptible to fugitive emissions. SAGD differs from conventional oil production in that natural gas is used as fuel to generate high-pressure steam. These systems have potential leak points such as pipe fittings, valves, instruments, and other components that can contribute to fugitive emissions.

A key parameter in SAGD production is the steam-to-oil ratio (SOR). The higher the SOR, the more steam is required for production. This results in more natural gas being burned and more greenhouse gas emissions, including fugitive methane emissions. A lower SOR means better energy efficiency and lower operating costs, as less natural gas is used in the process. As SAGD wells age, the SOR increases, and overall efficiency declines.

It is critical for SAGD operations to maximize steam generation efficiency as the SOR increases and production slows. Clean water ensures efficient boiler operation and produces higher-quality steam, resulting in a higher recovery factor and lower SOR. About 90% of SAGD water is treated and reused, so regular grab sampling is essential to ensure proper water treatment and maintain quality. Improperly treated water can leave scale or corrosion on boiler tubes, which hurts efficiency and leads to more natural gas usage and fugitive emissions.

Fugitive Emissions Contribute to Climate Change

Methane is a greenhouse gas with a short‐term warming effect many times greater than carbon dioxide—which means methane fugitive emissions leak detection and repair is a top priority in the drive to reduce climate change. The provincial government of Alberta has implemented policies in recent years that aim specifically at reducing fugitive emissions in the oil and gas industry by requiring operators to regularly check for and repair leaks.

By proactively implementing fugitive emissions leak detection and repair practices, SAGD operations can demonstrate their commitment to fighting climate change and protecting the environment while ensuring they comply with or exceed regulations.

Fugitive Emissions Create Health and Safety Risks

Methane is highly flammable and explosive, making fugitive emissions a potentially serious safety risk. Gas contained in an oxygen-free environment poses no danger, but as soon as it leaks into the atmosphere, there is the possibility of ignition. Therefore, fugitive emissions leak detection is an important safety measure to ensure the safest possible environment for workers and equipment in SAGD operations.

Despite the risks associated with fugitive emissions, SAGD operations are exceptionally safe as long as high-quality components are used, preventive maintenance is performed regularly, and a fugitive emissions leak detection and repair program is followed. SAGD operations should take the potential risks of unmitigated fugitive emissions seriously by diligently monitoring for leaks and repairing even the smallest potential leak points to maintain safe and efficient operations.

Fugitive Emissions Cost Oil and Gas Producers Money

There’s one more major incentive to prioritize fugitive emissions leak detection: fugitive emissions cost SAGD operations money. Any valuable methane that escapes to the atmosphere could have been sold if it was captured instead. The good news is that fugitive emissions can be mitigated with simple measures like upgrading valves and replacing worn components. Because the conserved gas is so valuable, such measures often pay for themselves and may even increase revenue.

Relatively small improvements like upgrading valves and replacing threaded connections with flanged connections or Swagelok tube fittings can be a cost-effective way to reduce fugitive emissions and potentially increase profits. Because every operation is unique and complex, it’s important to consult with an experienced gas systems specialist to evaluate your operation’s specific needs and risks. As a result, you can identify high-risk components and systems to upgrade and select the right components to minimize leakage.

Local Experts Are Ready to Assist with Fugitive Emissions Leak Detection

Fugitive emissions affect the environment, safety, and your bottom line. You can trust Edmonton Valve & Fitting to protect your people, processes, and profitability. Our Field Advisors can perform a comprehensive onsite evaluation of your SAGD operation and recommend the best components to reduce fugitive emissions in your equipment and facilities.

For elusive leaks, Edmonton Valve & Fitting can help with our advanced leak detection tools. Our FLIR thermal imaging cameras can detect hydrocarbon leaks that are invisible to the naked eye. We also use ultrasonic devices to listen for sounds outside the range of normal human hearing, like the hiss of a tiny gas leak. The combination of these tools can detect almost any leak, including those imperceptible to human eyes and ears.

Swagelok valves, without design modification or special instructions, passed the American Petroleum Institute’s Low-E test for fugitive emissions. By using Swagelok valves, you don’t just meet and exceed the strictest industry standards, you also ensure your processes are protected by the most advanced components available. Plus, all our products are backed by Swagelok’s best-in-class Limited Lifetime Warranty—so you never have to worry about replacing components.