Connolly, J.I.; Robinson, R.A.; Gardiner, T.D. (2019) Assessment of the Bacharach Hi Flow® Sampler characteristics and potential failure modes when measuring methane emissions. Measurement, 145. pp. 226-233. ISSN 02632241

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Abstract

The Bacharach Hi Flow® Sampler (BHFS) has been widely used to monitor methane leaks from industrial sources, however results have been challenged due to possible instrument performance issues. This study focused on improving the understanding of the BHFS performance by investigating its characteristics and potential failure modes. BHFS operation was split into three modes: catalytic oxidation (CO), thermal conductivity (TC) and a transition region. Good linear performance was observed in CO and TC modes (R2 > 0.992), however, the calibration factor changed between experiments highlighting the importance of regular calibration. Measurements in the middle region were dominated by noise with poor linearity. Instrument failure due to high non-methane hydrocarbons occurred sometimes; a hypothesis to explain this has been established. We found the BHFS to be a suitable instrument for measuring methane emissions if operated correctly and with knowledge of its limitations. Some key operational guidelines are provided in the conclusions.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Hi-Flow, methane, natural gas, fugitive emissions, greenhouse gas
Subjects:	Environmental Measurement > Atmospheric Science, Emission and Security
Divisions:	Environment
Identification number/DOI:	10.1016/j.measurement.2019.05.055
Last Modified:	08 Oct 2019 14:02
URI:	https://eprintspublications.npl.co.uk/id/eprint/8509