The accuracy and sensitivity of infrared differential absorption lidar measurements of hydrocarbon emissions from process units

Abstract

Shell Research Ltd has been using an infrared DIAL (differential absorption lidar) facility for two and a half years to measure hydrocarbon emissions to the atmosphere from petroleum industry process units. This paper describes the procedures used for measurement, emission rate calculation and data display, and then discusses the factors that affect the accuracy and detection limits of column content and emission rate measurements under practical operating conditions.