PUBLISHED PAPER Presented at the 2025 Australian Energy Producers Conference Brisbane, Australia

Advancing scientific verification of plug and abandonment activities

Quentin Morgan, Janet Mignano, James Ashton, Andrew Clemence, and Robert Layher

This paper describes how the Ventbuster®, is the latest and most sophisticated advancement in methane emissions quantification and monitoring, and utilized for true and auditable confirmation for leaking wellbore mitigation. This is only accomplished by first establishing a scientific baseline emission measurement, pre-plug and abandonment. Then, by real-time digital data recording and live monitoring of emissions during wellbore integrity restoration operations. Followed up with continuous emission monitoring for an indisputable confirmation of mitigation, post-plug and abandonment.

Using Ventbuster® Technology - Why Monitoring Matters More Than Ever

How confident are you in your well abandonment practices? If you’re not continuously monitoring for sustained casing vent flow (SCVF), you might be missing critical emissions and leaving yourself open to compliance risks and environmental liability.

That’s where the Ventbuster® excels.

With over 6,000 deployments across Canada, the U.S., and Australia since 2020, the Ventbuster® has become a trusted tool for quantifying vent flow emissions, verifying well integrity, and meeting regulatory mandates with precision. Our new advisory statement outlines exactly how and why operators are using our technology during plug and abandonment (P&A), integrity restoration, and emissions mitigation activities.

Read it here, or review our summary below: Utilization and Application of The Ventbuster®

The Big Picture: Why Vent Flow Monitoring Matters More Than Ever

As regulations are introduced about methane emissions and environmental performance becomes central to investment and regulatory decisions, monitoring wellbore emissions is no longer optional—it’s a critical operational imperative.

Regulators now require periodic testing for SCVF throughout a well's lifecycle, especially during:

• P&A procedures

• Well integrity repairs

• Vent flow mitigation

Operators must demonstrate measurable proof of wellbore integrity and ensure any vent flow is permanently sealed in place.

Enter the Ventbuster®: Precision Monitoring Meets Real-Time Reporting

What sets the Ventbuster® apart?

It’s not just a passive detector — it’s a data-rich, real-time diagnostic platform designed to meet regulatory scrutiny head-on. Here's how it works in field conditions:

Core Ventbuster® Testing Functions:

• Detects ultra-low flow rates (as little as one bubble every 10 minutes)

• Monitors:

  • Stabilized flow rate

  • Flow pressure

  • Flow temperature

  • Shut-in pressure build-up

Real-Time Data Delivery:

• All test data is live-streamed to your device

• Enables on-the-fly decisions during downhole intervention

• Helps ensure effective zonal isolation during remediation

Integrated Safety Features:

• Built-in pressure release to prevent casing annulus over-pressurization

• Solar-powered auxiliary battery for indefinite remote monitoring

Real-World Application: Step-by-Step Use During Well P&A

Operators following the Ventbuster®’s prescribed workflow can:

1. Baseline the emission rate before any downhole activity

2. Live-monitor the vent flow throughout well intervention

3. Re-test post-intervention to confirm the emission source is permanently sealed

4. Digitally log and report results to satisfy regulatory requirements

The Ventbuster® saves time, reduces costs, and eliminates rework.

Going Beyond Compliance: Strategic Advantages for Operators

Using the Ventbuster® isn't just about checking a regulatory box. It's about future-proofing your operations and building credibility with regulators, investors, and stakeholders.

Here’s why our clients are leaning in:

• Faster regulatory approval for well capping and reclamation

• Minimized downtime during SCVF remediation

• Improved ESG reporting accuracy

• Data-backed validation for bond release and liability transfer

The technology helps shift emissions management from reactive firefighting to proactive environmental stewardship.

Key Takeaways

• Vent flow monitoring is now mandatory in many jurisdictions, particularly during P&A, and integrity repair.

• The Ventbuster® provides a real-time, scientifically rigorous approach to emissions testing and validation.

• Operators gain operational agility, greater transparency, and faster regulatory clearance by incorporating the technology early in the process.

• Built-in safety, solar power, and digital reporting make it field-ready and future-proof.

Download the Full Advisory

For a detailed walkthrough of testing protocols, regulatory implications, and real-world applications, download the complete advisory statement. It’s an essential guide for energy companies navigating today’s complex landscape of emissions and abandonment.