Compressor Emissions Monitoring via Optical Gas Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Natural gas engine-driven compressor packages emit significant greenhouse gases, primarily CH4 and CO2, due to intentional and unintentional discharges, necessitating effective monitoring and reduction strategies to comply with environmental regulations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a control hub, emissions analyzer, and leak detection camera that continuously monitors emissions and fugitive leaks using optical gas imaging, correlates data from sensors and cameras to identify leak sources, and provides real-time alerts and recommendations for maintenance, incorporating machine learning for predictive maintenance and emission optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If comprehensive emissions monitoring is implemented using multiple sensors and cameras, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple monitoring devices (emissions analyzers, leak detection cameras, gas sensors) into an integrated compressor package system with a central control hub that consolidates data from all components, enabling comprehensive emissions monitoring while managing system complexity through unified control
Solution Approach 2:
The control hub serves multiple functions including receiving data from emissions analyzers, processing leak detection camera images, analyzing gas sensor readings, generating reports, and providing alerts - consolidating diverse monitoring functions into a single multi-functional device
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring and purging operations are performed, then reliability and measurement precision are improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The emissions analyzer performs purging operations periodically after every test rather than continuously, maintaining measurement accuracy and instrument longevity while reducing energy consumption by activating the purge function only when necessary
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances emission monitoring accuracy, enables quicker maintenance responses, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by detecting and preventing leaks, and optimizes compressor performance to minimize CH4 and CO2 output.
Implementation Method 1
The emissions analyzer may detect levels of various gases
Implementation Method 2
The gases contributing the most to greenhouse gas emissions are CH4 and CO2
Implementation Method 3
A leak detection camera may implement quantifying optical gas imaging in order to continuously monitor for fugitive leaks
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment may include a control hub configured to receive data from an emissions analyzer and a leak detection camera. The emissions analyzer may detect levels of various gases and relay such information to the control hub. In an exemplary embodiment, the emissions analyzer may purge after every test to ensure longevity and accuracy. A leak detection camera may implement quantifying optical gas imaging in order to continuously monitor for fugitive leaks on a compressor package. If a leak is detected, it may be logged and the user or an operating group may be alerted.