Methane Quantification
Methane quantification is the process of calculating how much methane is being emitted from a specific source over time. It estimates the emission rate, typically expressed in kilograms per hour (kg/hr), standard cubic feet per hour (SCFH) or similar units, and answers the critical question: How big is the leak?
How are Methane Emissions Quantified?
Emission rates can be quantified using various techniques, such as through direct gas sampling, engineering calculations, mass balance tracking, and other methods.
Bridger Photonics’ aerial Gas Mapping LiDAR® (GML) quantifies emission rates by integrating methane gas concentration data with gas flow speed data in up to three spatial dimensions.
Why Does Methane Emission Quantification Matter?
Quantification is a key feature of actionable methane detection data. Instead of just knowing where a leak is, operators can understand how much gas is being lost, which is important for several reasons:
- Prioritizing leak mitigation: Quantification allows operators to identify and focus resources on the most significant methane leaks
- Supporting emissions inventories: Quantification provides data for baselining and tracking emissions reductions, ensuring regulatory and reporting compliance, including OGMP 2.0 and U.S. EPA
- Enabling data-driven decision making: Quantification guides effective resource allocation and mitigation strategies, improving environmental and financial outcomes
- Promoting transparency: Emission rate quantification and inventories demonstrate accountability to regulators, investors, and the public
Without quantification, it’s nearly impossible to prioritize repairs, report accurately, or demonstrate improvement over time.
Key Applications in Oil and Gas
- Supporting regulatory reports with real emission rates
- Informing LDAR strategies with quantified data
- Prioritizing repairs by leak size
- Baselining and tracking emissions trends and reductions over time
- Demonstrating performance to regulators, stakeholders, and investors
Related: Methane Emission Rate, Aerial Methane Detection, Gas Mapping LiDAR, Emissions Intensity, Detection Sensitivity
FAQs
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How is quantification different from detection?
Detection tells you there’s a leak. Quantification tells you how much methane is being emitted. This is critical information for response planning, compliance, reporting, and tracking progress toward ESG goals.
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How accurate is Bridger’s methane quantification?
Bridger’s aggregate measurement uncertainty is +8.2%. Extensive controlled release studies confirm the reliability of the technology’s quantification accuracy, which remains consistent regardless of environmental conditions.
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Why do regulators require quantification?
Quantification allows for emissions tracking over time and helps determine whether leak repairs and emissions management programs are reducing overall emissions.
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Can quantification help reduce emissions?
Yes. By identifying high-volume leaks, quantification helps operators focus resources where they’ll have the biggest impact on emissions reduction.
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