Biogenic Toluene - Where does it come from?
In the first post of this series, I described the basis for how we became involved in determining a method for the detection of a natural, biogenic source of toluene. In this post, I describe how the process works and provide some thoughts on how to conduct an investigation.
Toluene is natural - really?
In 2015, Chemistry Matters Inc. (CMI) provided the scientific support for Nexen at Long Lake during their emulsion release. As part of that role, I pored over data every evening, often long through the night to be able to communicate results to regulators and Nexen management and to put together the next day's...
3 Real-Life Examples of How Chemists Keep the Science 'On the Rails' During an Oil Spill Response
My last blog post on the need for having a trusted chemist on your oil spill response team created a bit of a stir on LinkedIn with everyone insisting they have a more important role or a role that is of higher priority. Thank you all for the comments and the responses, this is what social media is about!
A Chemist Should Be Your First Call When Faced with an Oil Spill Emergency
When they do happen, oil spills can be nasty, and the company responsible will likely enter emergency panic mode as it responds to contain and clean up the oil.
2DGC: Why You Need to Know about this Niche Analytical Technique
You may have heard about an analytical technique called 2DGC or Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography. Or perhaps you have not.
Losing money on inconclusive soil gas migration testing?
When Should You be Concerned with a Gas Migration Investigation?
An often-overlooked statement in the Energy Resource Conservation Board (ERCB)/Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) suggests procedures for gas migration testing, as outlined in Directive 20, reads: “Testing is to be done only in frost-free months. Periods immediately after a rainfall have to be avoided.”
Part II: Are Your Surface Casing Vent Flows 'Show'ers or 'Flow'ers?
Last week, we presented a problem with regard to “peek-a-boo” SCVs, where data results are inconsistent at best. Because of this variability in the 'show'ers, the standard test may not capture the event appropriately. As prefaced in last week’s post, your data shows periodic flow and no buildup pressure. The well will...
Are your surface casing vents 'show'-ers or 'flow'-ers?
Easy to know where this title came from . . . if you don't know, I won't be telling you online. This title actually came from one of our clients and was used to describe their issues with testing surface casing vent flows. Some were definite ‘flows’, with gases and/or liquids coming out of the surface casing...