Single-Blind Quantification of Natural Gas Leaks from 1 km Distance Using Frequency Combs

A new method is tested in a single-blind study for detection, attribution, and quantification of methane emissions from the natural gas supply chain, which contribute substantially to annual U.S. emissions. The monitoring approach couples atmospheric methane concentration measurements from an open-path dual frequency comb laser spectrometer with meteorological data in an inversion to characterize emissions. During single-blind testing, the spectrometer is placed >1 km from decommissioned natural gas equipment configured with intentional leaks of controllable rate. Single, steady emissions ranging from 0 to 10.7 g min^-1 (0-34.7 scfh) are detected, located, and quantified at three gas pads of varying size and complexity. The system detects 100% of leaks, including leaks as small as 0.96 g min^-1 (3.1 scfh). It attributes leaks to the correct pad or equipment group (tank battery, separator battery, wellhead battery) 100% of the time and to the correct equipment (specific separator, tank, or wellhead) 67% of the time. All leaks are quantified to within 3.7 g min^-1 (12 scfh); 94% are quantified to within 2.8 g min^-1 (9 scfh). These tests are an important initial demonstration of the methodology's viability for continuous monitoring of large regions, with extension to other trace gases and industries.