The Metan Solution

Our technology is applicable in cases where methane emissions are such that it cannot be captured and put back into the pipeline, combusted or flared and where the vents are generally left open in order to prevent ground water contamination. Metan’s initial thrust was towards Surface Casing Vents (SCV) where flows are generally are less than 25 m3 per day. 

The Catalytic Methane Abatement System (CMAS) uses a platinum-based catalyst to convert methane gas into CO2 and water vapor. This type of catalyst panel is used as a source of infrared heat for space heating or curing of coatings and emits no detectable amounts of NOx or CO. The CMAS runs on the very low back pressures inherent to the wellhead SCV or storage tank vents.  The chemical oxidation reaction proceeds at approximately 250-500°C (500-950°F) well below the auto-ignition temperature of Methane - 700°C (1300°F).) The units require an electrical current from a truck battery or portable generator to start after which they continue as a self-sustaining chemical reaction. The units are designed for outdoor installation and can be operated in close proximity to active or capped oil and gas wells. They are provided as a complete “Plug & Play” assembly and can operate indefinitely without any on-site electrical power or other infrastructure support as long as fuel is available. The units attach directly to the surface casing vent with little additional pipe and fittings.

We currently have three CMAS units available to oxidize between 1.4 and 25 m3/day of methane. The CMAS units are modular such that additional units can be connected in parallel to treat higher flow rate vents.

Our current experience has been mostly limited to Canadian entities where methane emission regulations have been implemented. The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) in conjunction with the Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC) and the Canadian Emissions Reduction Innovation (CERIN) elected to test our CMAS unit as part of their global emissions reduction challenge. The unit was tested in the lab and then in a field test in winter in Northern Canada by the SRC with very encouraging results. The CERIN report on the CMAS unit is available upon request.

The following picture is of the CMAS unit attached to the SCV of a producing well used in the field test. The SCVF goes through the SRC test equipment and into the CMAS unit. The SRC equipment obtains performance data including input and output gas flows and output gas composition.

Metan Equipment Field Test Set-up - Producing Gas Well

We have an ongoing effort to improve performance and catalyst optimization however three CMAS prototype units are available on rather short notice in the event a well operator wishes to ascertain applicability or demonstrate capability. Please complete the Contact Metan form available on this website.