Continuous regional trace gas source attribution using a field-deployed dual frequency comb spectrometer

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel dual frequency comb spectrometer capable of continuous, regional-scale detection and quantification of trace gas emissions, significantly improving over existing localized or snapshot methods.

Contribution

The study demonstrates the first deployment of a dual frequency comb spectrometer for continuous, regional trace gas source attribution over multiple square kilometers.

Findings

Detected a 1.6 g/min methane source from 1 km distance.

Successfully distinguished two leaks among many potential sources.

Achieved detection of emissions rates ~1000x lower than current methods.

Abstract

Identification and quantification of trace gas sources is a major challenge for understanding and regulating air quality and greenhouse gas emissions. Current approaches either provide continuous but localized monitoring, or quasi-instantaneous 'snapshot-in-time' regional monitoring. There is a need for emissions detection that provides both continuous and regional coverage, because sources and sinks can be episodic and spatially variable. We field deploy a dual frequency comb laser spectrometer for the first time, enabling an observing system that provides continuous detection of trace gas sources over multiple-square-kilometer regions. Field tests simulating methane emissions from oil and gas production demonstrate detection and quantification of a 1.6 g min^-1 source (approximate emissions from a small pneumatic valve) from a distance of 1 km, and the ability to discern two leaks among a field of many potential sources. The technology achieves the goal of detecting, quantifying, and attributing emissions sources continuously through time, over large areas, and at emissions rates ~1000x lower than current regional approaches. It therefore provides a useful tool for monitoring and mitigating undesirable sources and closes a major information gap in the atmospheric sciences.