Energy

1.1 General

This Document specifies the key performance metrics, definitions, and evaluation steps necessary to assess the suitability of methane DMQ technologies for oil and gas applications. It applies to technologies used for detection, localisation, measurement, quantification, and reporting of methane emissions from components, equipment, or facilities. Providing a consistent reference framework for comparison and decision-making across technology types and deployment contexts. This Technical Specification applies to DMQ technology method classes defined by their operational characteristics and deployment platforms, including but not limited to:

a)    Handheld and portable devices;

b)   Emissions monitoring systems (EMS);

c)    Uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs);

d)   Satellite-based remote sensing systems;

e)    Vehicle-mounted or aircraft-based survey systems; and

f)    Parametric systems that utilize operational data to calculate emissions.

The framework addresses quantitative technology performance metrics that can be derived from technology-generated observations in comparison with reference measurements from controlled test facilities or validated field datasets.

It also includes qualitative performance considerations, such as environmental or situational variables, performance envelopes, and deployment factors, as specified by technology manufacturers or DMQ service providers.

This Document was developed with a focus on upstream, midstream, and downstream onshore oil and gas operations in Canada. Any specific limits on the types of infrastructure or emission sources to which this guidance applies will align with those defined in federal and provincial methane regulations (including Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan).

1.2 Inclusions

This technical specification applies to:

a)    Definitions and terminology relevant to methane DMQ technologies;

b)   A taxonomy of technology types and deployment contexts;

c)    Core performance metrics and validation parameters;

d)   A suggested evaluation process for technology selection and use case definition; and

e)    Reference materials and data sheet templates to support consistent documentation of results.

1.3 Exclusions

This technical specification does not:

a)    Provide detailed testing protocols for specific technology types or classes;

b)   Compare individual technology brands, models, or manufacturers;

c)    Describe or assess costs, ease of deployment, or training requirements, as such business considerations are beyond the scope of standardization; or

d)   Prescribe or list regulatory requirements, which remain the responsibility of the reader to identify and apply based on the jurisdiction and site type.

1.4 Terminology

In this technical specification, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the technical specification; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the technical specification.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.

1.1

This Standard applies to newly produced gas-fired low-pressure steam and hot water boilers with gas inlet pressure ratings not exceeding 0.5 psi (3.5 kPa) and having input ratings of less than 12 500 000 Btu/h (3 663 389 W) (see Clause 3), hereinafter referred to as boilers,* constructed entirely of new unused parts and materials,

a) for operation at or below the following pressures and temperatures:

i) steam heating boilers: 15 psi (103.42 kPa) steam pressure;

ii) hot water heating boilers:

1) 160 psi (1.10 MPa) water pressure; and

2) 250 °F (121 °C) water temperature;

iii) hot water supply boilers:

1) 160 psi (1.10 MPa) water pressure; and

2) 250 °F (121 °C) water temperature;

b) for use with

i) natural gas;

ii) propane gas;

iii) LP gas-air mixtures; and

c) for recreational vehicle installation for use with

i) propane gases only; and

ii) natural gas and propane gases when provision is made for the simple conversion from one gas to the other.

The construction of boilers is covered under Clause 4 and the performance of boilers is covered under Clause 5.

* See Clause 7.2 for boilers covered in Canada that exceed the above limits in gas inlet pressure and/or input ratings.

Rationale: RFC#31, RFC#44 and RFC#42

1.2

This Standard applies to indoor boilers, of other than the direct vent type that are categorized according to vent pressure and temperature as either Category I, Category II, Category III, or Category IV (see Clause 3), and to outdoor type boilers.

1.3

This Standard also applies to direct vent boilers (see Clause 3). A direct vent boiler anticipated by this Standard is essentially a balanced flue appliance with the air intake and vent outlet in proximity. Other designs are subjected to such additional tests as believed necessary at the discretion of the certification body.

Rationale: Part of RFC#48, as editorial change.

1.4

If a value for measurement as given in this Standard is followed by an equivalent value in other units, the first stated value is the specification.

1.5

The values given in US customary units are the units of record for the purposes of this Standard. The values given in parentheses are for information and comparison only.

Note: IEEE/ASTM SI 10 or ISO 80000-1 can be used as a guide when converting imperial units to metric units.

1.6

All references to pressure throughout this Standard are considered gauge pressure, unless otherwise specified.

1.7

Clause 7 contains clauses unique to, and required by, Canada.

1.8

In this Standard, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user shall satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.