Cutting-edge technology originally developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for exploring Mars will be unveiled at the SPE Offshore Europe 2023 conference. SeekOps, a US-based sensor company, is set to present its innovative SeekIR solution, which employs technology derived from the Mars Curiosity Rover, to monitor methane emissions in the North Sea.

In a groundbreaking application within the energy sector, SeekOps has harnessed the power of in-situ tunable diode laser absorption spectrometry (TDLAS) by integrating it into a drone. This pioneering approach has enabled high-resolution surveys of methane emissions in offshore environments. The drone-mounted system offers an efficient, secure, and accurate way to quantify methane emissions, effectively overcoming challenges associated with conventional fixed-wing crewed and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) that often face restricted flight paths.

The measurement of methane emissions in offshore settings presents unique challenges. Traditional methods, such as satellite and aircraft-based monitoring, encounter difficulties due to water backscatter, obstructed cloud views, and insufficient resolution for isolating individual assets amidst a cluster of facilities.

Originally developed by NASA's JPL to seek evidence of microbial life, the TDLAS technology was highly sensitive to methane enhancements. Now adapted for use in the energy sector, it has been validated by the Methane Emissions Technology Evaluation Centre (METEC) in Colorado.

Brendan Smith, SeekOps Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder, emphasized the significance of this advanced solution: "With the mounting pressures from various sectors, oil and gas operators are actively seeking effective ways to curb methane emissions. This forward-thinking solution combines two state-of-the-art technologies to offer modern and efficient methods of measuring offshore methane emissions."

The presentation at the SPE Offshore Europe conference will unveil insights from methane concentration surveys across five offshore assets. In addition to methane levels, the data collected includes atmospheric conditions such as temperature, pressure, and wind vectors. This informative session will be part of the Offshore Decarbonisation technical session scheduled for September 8, starting at 10 am in Conference Room 3. The SPE Offshore Europe event is set to commence on September 5.

Kamel Ben-Naceur, SPE Offshore Europe Conference Chairman 2023, highlighted the importance of technological advancement in the energy transition: "As the pace of the energy transition accelerates, the development and adaptation of technologies will play a pivotal role. This technical session will showcase a system that could revolutionize the measurement of offshore methane emissions, contributing to effective strategies for carbon reduction in the offshore sector by bringing together experts in offshore energy production."

The integration of space-age technology into the energy sector underscores the collaborative efforts to address environmental concerns and advance sustainable practices within the industry.