Fugitive Emission Calibration Using Reference Gas Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring fugitive emission rates lack accuracy and confidence, as they fail to calibrate measurements effectively, particularly for large area sources, leading to uncertainties in air quality assessments.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the discharge of a reference gas with a similar composition to the subject gas, followed by measurement and calibration of the combined and individual gas emission rates, using techniques like mass balance approaches and satellite measurements, to achieve accurate fugitive emission rate calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fugitive emission rate measurement methods are used, then measurement coverage is achieved, but measurement accuracy and confidence are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference gas as an intermediary substance to calibrate the measurement system. The reference gas with known emission characteristics serves as a mediator between the measurement instrument and the actual fugitive emissions, enabling accuracy verification and calibration without directly measuring the unknown emission source
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the reference gas discharge rates across multiple levels (low, medium, high) to establish a calibration curve. This allows the measurement system to be calibrated across different emission conditions, improving both accuracy and reliability for varying fugitive emission scenarios
2Measurement precision
If reference gas discharge rate is increased to improve calibration coverage, then calibration quality improves, but gas consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by implementing a multi-level reference gas discharge strategy where the reference gas is discharged at different rates in sequential measurement cycles. This periodic variation in discharge levels enables comprehensive calibration across different emission conditions while controlling overall gas consumption through systematic cycling rather than continuous high-level discharge
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using multiple discrete discharge levels (low, medium, high) rather than continuous full-level discharge. This allows sufficient calibration coverage to be achieved at each level without the excessive gas consumption that would result from maintaining maximum discharge rates throughout the entire calibration process
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for calibrating an emission rate measurement of a gas are provided. The methods involve discharging a reference gas that is the same or a different composition than a subject gas. If the same or similar, then a combined emission rate of the reference and subject gas is measured, as well as an emission rate of the subject gas only. A deviation, or an one or more adjusted parameter, of the combined and subject gas measurement from the reference gas discharge rate is used to calibrate the subject gas measurement. If the reference gas is different, the emission rates of the subject and reference gas are measured, and a deviation, or an one or more adjusted parameter, of the measured rate from the discharge rate of the reference gas is used in calibrating the subject gas measurement. The methods may also use a modified 2-D tracer measurement as a reference.