Development of atmospheric tracer methods to measure methane emissions from natural gas facilities and urban areas
- Washington State Univ., Pullman, WA (United States)
- Aerodyne Research, Inc., Billerica, MA (United States)
- Univ. of New Hampshire, Durham, NH (United States); and others
A new, integrated methodology to locate and measure methane emissions from natural gas systems has been developed. Atmospheric methane sources are identified by elevated ambient CH{sub 4} concentrations meaured with a mobile laser-based methane analyzer. The total methane emission rate from a source is obtained by simulating the source with a sulfur hexafluoride (SF{sub 6}) tracer gas release and by measuring methane and tracer concentrations along downwind sampling paths using mobile, real-time analyzers. Combustion sources of methane are distinguished from noncombustion sources by concurrent ambient carbon dioxide measurements. Three variations on the tracer ratio method are described for application to (1) small underground vaults, (2) above-ground natural gas facilities, and (3) diffuse methane emissions from an entire town. Results from controlled releases and from replicate tests demonstrate that the tracer ratio approach can yield total emission rates to within approximately {+-}15%. The estimated accuracy of emission estimates for urban areas with a variety of diffuse emissions is {+-}50%. 21 refs., 5 figs., 6 tabs.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 67995
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 29, Issue 6; Other Information: PBD: Jun 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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