Remote sensing of gas emissions on natural gas flares

Emissions from operational natural gas flares are examined by a remote sensing technique using a commercial high-resolution Fourier-Transform-Infrared Spectrometer. The thermal radiation emitted by the post-combustion gas is analyzed to determine plume temperatures and concentrations of CH4, CO2, CO, NO, and H2O. The Multi-component Air Pollution Software MAPS is applied which is based on radiative transfer line-by-line calculations and least-square fit procedures. Emission rates and combustion efficiencies are calculated which indicate that the environmental impact of methane emissions from natural gas flares is small.