Adjustable Wellhead Air Quality Enclosure for Gas Leak Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Identifying and quantifying greenhouse gas leaks from orphaned oil wells is challenging due to the difficulty in locating and measuring emissions, necessitating a cost-effective method for mitigation assessment.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable air quality detection system using laser-based gas detectors and well air quality enclosures with impermeable materials, sensors, and a network platform for remote monitoring and data analysis to detect and quantify gas leaks, providing real-time data for remediation planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional detection methods are used for greenhouse gas leaks, then the system is simpler and cheaper, but the detection precision and measurement accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection task into multiple specialized components: laser-based gas detectors for precise gas concentration measurement, impermeable enclosures for containment, sensors for environmental monitoring, and a network platform for data management. Each component focuses on a specific aspect of detection, improving overall measurement precision while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an impermeable enclosure as an intermediary structure between the gas leak source and the detection system. This enclosure concentrates and contains the leaking gases, directing them toward the laser detectors for more accurate measurement. The enclosure acts as a mediator that enhances the interaction between the gas plume and the detection instruments.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive detection systems are deployed to accurately measure gas leaks, then the measurement precision improves, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses impermeable enclosures that may be more extensive than strictly necessary for containment, ensuring complete gas capture. This excessive action in enclosure deployment guarantees that no gas escapes undetected, improving quantification accuracy. The trade-off is accepted as the enclosure materials and installation costs are offset by the value of accurate leak assessment for mitigation decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sampling and laboratory analysis methods with laser-based optical detection systems. The laser absorption spectroscopy technology provides precise gas concentration measurements without requiring physical gas sampling, transport, or complex laboratory equipment, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Reliability
If impermeable enclosures are used to contain leaking gas, then the detection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs impermeable enclosures constructed from flexible materials such as tarps or vinyl sheets rather than rigid structures. These flexible shells can be easily deployed and adjusted to fit various wellhead configurations, providing reliable gas containment while minimizing structural complexity. The thin film materials are simple to install and remove, reducing the overall complexity of the enclosure system.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure system is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The enclosures can be deployed, adjusted, and removed as needed based on detection requirements and environmental conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different wellhead types and locations without requiring complex custom-built structures for each scenario, thereby improving reliability while controlling complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate detection and quantification of gas leaks, facilitating cost-effective remediation planning and monetization through carbon credits, while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
At least one air quality detector having at least one gas sensor configured to detect properties of a gas leaking from the wellhead
Implementation Method 2
an adjustable air quality enclosure configured to contain any leaking gas from an orphaned wellhead within the enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments disclose an adjustable air quality detection system including at least one adjustable air quality enclosure with an exhaust valve configured to contain leaking gas from a wellhead within the enclosure, at least one air quality detector coupled to the exhaust valve having at least one gas sensor configured to detect properties of air quality from the wellhead passing through the exhaust valve, a gas flow meter coupled to the exhaust valve configured to measure the quantity over time, and flow rate over time of the exhausted gases detected; wherein the properties of air quality surrounding the wellhead include at least identification, quantity over time, and flow rate over time, in accordance with wellhead regulatory remediation emissions standards and a well leak detection app wirelessly coupled to the air quality detector configured to record and transmit the gas sensor detected properties data from the wellhead to a database.