Draft Details

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.