Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-691
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-691
24 Apr 2023
 | 24 Apr 2023

Ground-to-UAV, laser-based, multi-species emissions quantification at long standoff distances

Kevin C. Cossel, Eleanor M. Waxman, Eli Hoenig, Daniel Hesselius, Christopher Chaote, Ian Coddington, and Nathan R. Newbury

Abstract. Determination of trace gas emissions from sources is critical for understanding and regulating air quality and climate change. Here, we demonstrate a method for rapid quantification of the emission rate of multiple gases from simple and complex sources using a mass-balance approach with a spatially scannable open-path sensor – in this case, an open-path dual-comb spectrometer. The open-path spectrometer measures the total column density of gases between the spectrometer and a retroreflector mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). By measuring slant columns at multiple UAV altitudes downwind of a source (or sink), the total emission rate can be rapidly determined without the need for an atmospheric dispersion model. Here, we demonstrate this technique using controlled releases of CH4 and C2H2. We show an emission rate determination to within 50 % of the known flux with a single 10-minute flight and within 10 % of the known flux after 10 flights. Furthermore, we estimate a detection limit for CH4 emissions to be 0.03 g CH4/s. This detection limit is approximately the same as the emissions from 25 head of beef cattle and is less than the average emissions from a small oil field pneumatic controller. Other gases including CO2, NH3, HDO, ethane, formaldehyde (HCHO), CO, and N2O can be measured by simply changing the dual-comb spectrometer.

Kevin C. Cossel et al.

Status: final response (author comments only)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-691', Anonymous Referee #1, 28 Apr 2023
    • AC1: 'Reply to RC1 and RC2', Kevin Cossel, 15 Sep 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-691', Anonymous Referee #2, 10 Jul 2023
    • AC1: 'Reply to RC1 and RC2', Kevin Cossel, 15 Sep 2023

Kevin C. Cossel et al.

Kevin C. Cossel et al.

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Short summary
Measurements of the emission rate of a gas or gases from point and area sources are important in a range of monitoring applications. We demonstrate a method for rapid quantification of the emission rate of multiple gases using a spatially scannable open-path sensor. The open-path spectrometer measures the total column density of gases between the spectrometer and a retroreflector mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). By scanning the UAV altitude, we can determine the total gas emissions.