A11L-02:
Using Co-Emitted Species to Identify Natural Gas Emission Vectors
Monday, 15 December 2014: 8:15 AM
Scott C. Herndon1, Tara Irene Yacovitch1, Joseph R Roscioli1, Cody R Floerchinger1, Walter B Knighton2, James Douglas Goetz3, Peter F DeCarlo3, Austin Mitchell4, Daniel S Tkacik4, R Subramanian4, Allen L Robinson4, David M Martinez5, Laurie Williams5, Dan Zimmerle5 and Anthony Marchese5, (1)Aerodyne Research Inc, Billerica, MA, United States, (2)Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States, (3)Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States, (4)Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States, (5)Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 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.
