Atmospheric Detection

Optical CO₂ sensors may be deployed aboveground to monitor release of CO₂ to the atmosphere. Common optical sensors are based on infrared spectroscopy or other detection techniques. An infrared sensor measures absorption of infrared radiation along the path of a laser beam or other light source. Carbon dioxide concentration is computed based on the degree of absorption of particular wavelengths.¹National Energy Technology Laboratory. (2017). Best practices: Monitoring, verification, and accounting (MVA) for geologic storage projects. National Energy Technology Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy. https://netl.doe.gov/sites/default/files/2018-10/BPM-MVA-2012.pdf

Atmospheric Detection Tool Summary

• Description: Sensors for intermittent or continuous measurement of CO₂ in air.
• Benefits: Sensors can be relatively inexpensive and portable.
• Challenges: Difficult to distinguish release from natural variations in ambient-CO₂ emissions.²National Energy Technology Laboratory. (2017). Best practices: Monitoring, verification, and accounting (MVA) for geologic storage projects. National Energy Technology Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy. https://netl.doe.gov/sites/default/files/2018-10/BPM-MVA-2012.pdf

Application

Airborne monitoring technologies were employed as part of a CO₂-enhanced oil recovery field project in the Farnsworth Unit Project. The monitoring program employed infrared gas analyzers that can detect both CH₄ and CO₂. The ruggedized case was mounted as part of an unmanned aerial vehicle platform using the Skywalker X8.³National Energy Technology Laboratory. (2017). Best practices: Monitoring, verification, and accounting (MVA) for geologic storage projects. National Energy Technology Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy. https://netl.doe.gov/sites/default/files/2018-10/BPM-MVA-2012.pdf

The Farnsworth Project is located in Ochiltree County, northeastern Texas panhandle, in the Anadarko Basin.⁴National Energy Technology Laboratory. (2017, July). Farnsworth Unit Project: Pennsylvanian Upper Morrow Formation, Ochiltree County, Texas, Southwest Regional Partnership on Carbon Sequestration. National Energy Technology Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy. https://www.netl.doe.gov/sites/default/files/2018-11/Farnsworth-Unit-Project.pdf

The sensor board selected (capable for use in detecting both CH₄ and CO₂) and the ruggedized case (left) to be mounted as part of the UAV platform (right).⁵National Energy Technology Laboratory. (2015, January). Surface and airborne monitoring technology for detecting geologic leakage in a CO2-enhanced oil recovery pilot, Anadarko Basin, Texas. National Energy Technology Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy. https://www.netl.doe.gov/sites/default/files/netl-file/FE0012173.pdf