ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation , enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future .
In some parts of the United States where towns are growing , housing has been built where oil and gas wells once stood . The Environment Defense Fund estimates that 14 million Americans live within a mile of an orphan well .
“ It is extremely rewarding to see our technologies employed in the endeavor of fixing such a pressing environmental problem . We remain focused on accelerating the pace of environmental programs that reduce emissions , especially in the oil and gas industry . Our work on this initiative is a great example of how technology can benefit the environment and help countries achieve their sustainability goals ,” says Jacques Mulbert , Division President , ABB Measurement & Analytics .
WHAT CAN BE MEASURED CAN BE IMPROVED
Together with channel partner Winn- Marion , ABB worked to create a comprehensive approach that enables the identification , on-site qualification , and monitoring of orphan wells . At the heart of the system are ABB ’ s gas leak detection solutions as well as suite of flow computers , both used in tens of thousands of industrial plants worldwide to measure and report on emissions .
Initially , ABB ’ s gas leak detection system is used to find the orphan wells . Depending on their location , the high sensitivity analysers using OA-ICOS™ technology are transported by vehicle ( using ABB Ability™ MobileGuard™ ), drone ( HoverGuard™ ), or backpack ( MicroGuard™ ) to the site . The system can detect methane emissions down to 1 part per billion ( ppb ).
Once on-site , it measures methane concentration and flow with a measuring range as low as 180kg / h . The flow from the thermal mass is logged and visualised on ABB ’ s gas flow computers , the control devices known in the industry for their extreme accuracy and reliability . In the post-plugging phase , methane emissions continue to be monitored .
A key advantage of ABB ’ s emissions monitoring technology is that it is fully audited by the Bureau of Land Management , which manages the Federal government ’ s onshore oil and gas program in the United States .
ABB ’ s Process Automation business automates , electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy , water and materials , to producing goods and transporting them to market . With its ~ 20,000 employees , leading technology and service expertise , ABB Process Automation helps customers in process , hybrid and maritime industries improve performance and safety of operations , enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future . go . abb / processautomation
ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation , enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future . The company ’ s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured , moved , powered and operated . Building on more than 130 years of excellence , ABB ’ s ~ 105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation .
ABB ’ s high sensitivity analysers are transported by vehicle ( using ABB Ability™ Mo-bileGuard™ ), drone
( HoverGuard™ ), or backpack ( MicroGuard™ ) to the site .
For further information , please visit www . abb . com
Issue 62 PECM 105