Record Display for the EPA National Library Catalog

RECORD NUMBER: 9 OF 29

Main Title Estimation of Methane Emissions from a Surface Coal Mine Using Open-Path FTIR Spectroscopy and Modeling Techniques.
Author Kirchgessner, D. A. ; Piccot, S. D. ; Chadha, A. ;
CORP Author Science Applications International Corp., Durham, NC. ;TRC Environmental Corp., Chapel Hill, NC.;Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC. Air and Energy Engineering Research Lab.
Publisher c1993
Year Published 1993
Report Number EPA-68-D9-0173; EPA/600/J-93/248;
Stock Number PB93-212546
Additional Subjects Methane ; Coal mining ; Surface mining ; Air pollution sampling ; Mathematical models ; Emission factors ; Study estimates ; Field tests ; Fourier transform spectrometers ; Infrared spectroscopy ; Feasibility studies ; Performance evaluation ; Reprints ;
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NTIS  PB93-212546 Some EPA libraries have a fiche copy filed under the call number shown. 07/26/2022
Collation 23p
Abstract
The paper discusses a new methodology that allows the rapid and efficient measurement of methane (CH4) emissions from surface coal mines. An initial field trial of this methodology has been completed, and results from the field trial revealed that emissions from one surface coal mine in the U.S. are estimated to be 1,735,000 cu m/yr. The results provide some evidence that CH4 concentrations determined by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometry may be low by 20-75%, but the overall effect of this potential bias on the mine emissions estimate cannot be adequately quantified. The initial trial demonstrated that the methodology is an applicable and feasible approach for measuring CH4 emissions from very large coal mines. It also highlighted several uncertainties and methodology questions which, if resolved, could improve the performance and reliability of the methodology.