Using Co-Emitted Species to Identify Natural Gas Emission Vectors

Scott C. Herndon1, Tara Irene Yacovitch2, Joseph R Roscioli1, Cody R Floerchinger2, Walter B Knighton3, James Douglas Goetz4, Peter F DeCarlo5, Austin Mitchell6, Daniel S Tkacik6, R Subramanian6, Allen L Robinson6, David M Martinez7, Laurie Williams7, Daniel Zimmerle8 and Anthony Marchese7, (1)Aerodyne Research, Inc., Billerica, MA, United States, (2)Aerodyne Research Inc, Billerica, MA, United States, (3)Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States, (4)Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States, (5)Johns Hopkins University, Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Balitmore, United States, (6)Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States, (7)Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States, (8)Colorado State University, Energy Institute, Fort Collins, United States
Abstract:
Mobile measurements in several active oil and gas production regions in North America have been used to quantify various emission leak rates. In addition to measuring methane (typically the dominant component in natural gas), quantifying concomitant increases in co-emitted compounds often reveals the specific emission source, frequently with sub-facility spatial resolution. While the immediate impact on the local and regional air quality due to methane is relatively minor, the other co-emitted compounds can be potent ozone precursors or air-toxics. Results from several recent measurement projects will be used to compare emissions profiles from various regions and natural gas basins. These results will be placed in the context of the extensive gathering, treating, and processing equipment and techniques at the disposal of the oil and gas industry.
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