PR-004-213900-Z01 Existing and Emerging Technologies in Methane Leak Detection and Quantification

Abstract

Methane (CH4), the main component of natural gas, has a global warming potential 25 to 36 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2) over 100 years. Methane emissions are often intermittent and highly variable, a multivariate phenomenon of flow rate, time, and conditions. Cost-effective technologies are needed to detect, locate, and measure methane gas leaks faster and more efficiently. There is a diverse array of existing and emerging technologies capable of detecting, locating, and quantifying methane emissions. Broadly termed leak detection and quantification (LDAQ), these technologies vary in capability, application, and cost. This report provides includes LDAQ technology descriptions and applications. Existing and emerging technologies available for methane LDAQ are identified and characterized in an Assessment Framework that incorporates a Technology Assessment and a Market Assessment. These comprise the LDAQ Technology Assessment Tool (in Excel workbook format) that accompanies this report and is described herein.