Why green energy needs stricter monitoring of fugitive emissions

Understanding fugitive emissions

Fugitive emissions differ from stack emissions as they are unpredictable and challenging to monitor.

They include leaks from valves, pipelines, and storage tanks, often contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

Methane, for instance, has a greenhouse effect 80 times greater than carbon dioxide over a short period.

With regulatory frameworks like the US Environmental Protection Agency's new rules and the EU’s Fit for 55 initiative, industries face increased pressure to monitor, report, and repair leaks promptly.

Leveraging existing gas detection systems

Megan Hine emphasized a resourceful approach: utilizing existing gas detection systems not only for safety but also for emissions monitoring.

Many facilities already deploy gas detection systems as part of their safety protocols. These systems continuously monitor gas concentrations, providing real-time data on potential risks.

The innovation lies in repurposing these systems to collect background concentration data.

By integrating this data into Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, companies can enhance their emissions monitoring capabilities without significant additional investment.

Optical gas imaging: a dual-purpose tool

One standout technology discussed was optical gas imaging (OGI).

Initially designed for safety applications, OGI cameras now also support emissions monitoring. These devices provide visual representations of gas leaks, offering real-time data on emissions and enhancing safety layers simultaneously.

Hine demonstrated how slight algorithmic adjustments to OGI systems enable them to quantify emissions effectively. This dual-purpose functionality reduces costs and aligns with sustainability goals by repurposing existing technologies.

The importance of data diversity

The presentation underscored the value of diverse data points in emissions monitoring.

Combining data from point gas detectors, open-path systems, and periodic spot monitoring creates a comprehensive view of a facility’s emissions profile.

Deploying cost-effective, battery-operated sensors in strategic locations further enriches the dataset, improving accuracy and decision-making.

Challenges and future directions

Despite advancements, monitoring fugitive emissions remains complex.

For volatile organic compounds (VOCs), cross-sensitivity and specificity challenges persist.

Dräger’s innovations, such as the portable gas chromatograph XPID, provide real-time analysis of VOCs, aiding targeted monitoring efforts.

The session concluded with a call to action: industries must embrace data-driven approaches and innovative technologies to meet regulatory requirements and reduce environmental impact.