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Drawing on its extensive experience in LDAR (Leak Detection and Repair) methodologies, EHS Techniques was contracted to carry out a fugitive emission detection campaign at several crude oil production facilities located in the desert of the Sultanate of Oman.
The project, commissioned by one of the region’s leading energy companies, aimed to identify and quantify leaks of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other potentially harmful gases, thereby supporting emission reduction efforts and enhancing the environmental performance of the facilities.
Scope of the Study
The campaign covered a wide range of infrastructure associated with crude oil extraction and processing, including:
- Active and maintenance-phase extraction wells.
- Three crude processing plants with distinct production configurations.
- Valve nodes and manifolds, identified as key potential emission points.
- Storage systems and internal hydrocarbon transfer pipelines.
The scope involved the identification, localisation, and documentation of fugitive emissions, along with the preparation of a comprehensive technical report including recommendations for repair and ongoing monitoring.
This work provided a baseline of emissions across the facilities — an essential element for future environmental audits and emission reduction strategies.
Methodology Applied
EHS Techniques implemented a combination of internationally recognised technologies and standards for fugitive emission detection:
- Visual and thermographic inspection using infrared (IR) cameras to detect invisible gas leaks under challenging field conditions.
- Quantitative measurement using a Flame Ionisation Detector (FID) following USEPA Method 21, the international standard for VOC leak detection.
- Geo-referenced recording of each leak point using integrated GPS systems, ensuring full traceability of results.
- Leak classification by criticality, assessing environmental impact, safety risk, and repair priority.
- Corrective and preventive maintenance recommendations to reduce recurrence and improve asset management efficiency.
All fieldwork was carried out under strict safety and quality protocols, complying with local environmental regulations and international best practice standards.
Benefits of the Study
The SLDAR campaign conducted by EHS Techniques in Oman enabled the operating company to:
- Significantly reduce fugitive emissions, improving the environmental performance of its operations.
- Achieve full compliance with both national and international VOC emission control regulations.
- Optimise operational efficiency by detecting and addressing leaks before they caused economic or safety issues.
- Enhance industrial safety, minimising worker exposure to potentially hazardous gases.
- Develop an updated technical emissions database, supporting audits, corporate reporting, and sustainability initiatives.
EHS Techniques
EHS Techniques provides specialised services in fugitive emission detection and control (LDAR and SLDAR) using advanced methodologies and high-precision equipment.
Our international experience, including large-scale projects such as this one in the Sultanate of Oman, positions us as a benchmark environmental consultancy in the energy sector, ensuring regulatory compliance, emission reduction, and sustainable operational performance in complex industrial environments.