While many parameters influence the environmental consequences of oil spills, the quantity of oil released remain one of the most important. The total volume may be expressed as the leak rate multiplied with the duration of the discharge. By detecting a spill at an early stage, it could be possible limit the duration and hence the amount spilled. Early detection can also instigate a rapid response, which is another crucial consequence reducing measure. Detection technologies are becoming increasingly important as the petroleum industry is progressing into Arctic areas and closer to shore or environmentally sensitive areas. With increased environmental concerns and stakeholder engagement, company integrity and accountability are essential for maintaining a license to operate. The requirement for leak detection capabilities for oil and gas activity varies. At the Norwegian Continental Shelf, operators are required to detect pollution of significance within a short time, usually between one and three hours. Leak detection systems must also be effective regardless of darkness, sight and weather conditions. On behalf of the Norwegian Oil and Gas Association, a methodology was developed for assessing and selecting remote measurement techniques for specific fields. For the leak detection system to be effective and reliable, it is vital to select appropriate techniques that complete and complement each other. The methodology firstly maps relevant requirements, risks, facility limitations and field specific factors. A BAT (best available techniques) framework is used to identify appropriate technologies, while gap analyses may map the overall limitations and flaws by comparing a proposed system’s performance with the requirements. Gaps and/or weaknesses are further evaluated through an ALARP (as low as reasonably practicable) analysis assessing the cost and benefits of additional techniques. The methodology provides the operators with valuable information concerning factors affecting the performance. Finally, organizational measures are crucial for ensuring effective operations and it is necessary to integrate leak detection into facility management systems. This paper presents the complete methodology and explains how a structured approach can be applied to both existing and new installations. It provides examples of how assessments are conducted and an overview of the most relevant remote sensing techniques. The methodology has been reviewed by several operators and been employed for numerous projects. While the framework was developed for the Norwegian sector, it is relevant and applicable for installations globally.
The oil and gas industry is putting increased focus on leak detection and use of remote sensing to detect, limit and respond to oil spills. There are a wide variety of techniques that can be applied, each with its strengths and limitations. A crucial element of a leak detection system is the selection of techniques to cover the areas of an offshore facility with highest risk or vulnerable areas. A Best Available Techniques (BAT) method and tool have been developed to select leak detection techniques, as part of a Joint Industry Project (JIP) in Norway. The aim was to establish a generic method and tool for decision-making and documentation. A draft was established based on the authors’ experience with BAT assessments and with selection of leak detection and remote sensing techniques. The suggested solution was then improved during workshops and through communication with the JIP participants. The method and tool were developed for both new and mature fields in order to establish and document the BAT taking into account site-specific conditions. The scope included reviewing environmental, technical and economic criteria which influence the evaluation of leak detection techniques. The result of the development work was a descriptive method and a practical tool including a scope and pre-screening with a suggested list of available techniques. The JIP included a thorough mapping of existing and emerging techniques, and the results of this activity are reflected in the BAT-tool's list of techniques. A first BAT evaluation assesses techniques separately, based on established criteria. Techniques are then grouped and system configurations are established (i.e. a combination of several techniques working as a system). The second BAT evaluation assesses the combined techniques as a system and concludes on a recommended solution. The paper focuses on the benefits and challenges of a generic BAT-based methodology and tool for leak detection techniques. Experiences from a specific case where the methodology was applied will also be included. The paper presents and discusses the challenges and opportunities linked to applying an already known concept (BAT) for a certain area relevant for the offshore oil and gas industry. The same approach to establishing a BAT selection methodology can also be applied for other areas/systems on an offshore installation. The generic approach developed as part of this work gives users a structured way for selecting the best available leak detection techniques for specific installations.
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