Ground-based FTIR remote sensing systems for identification, visualization, and quantification of methane

Ground-based sensors are essential for monitoring methane emissions. Among the available technologies, remote sensing systems based on Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy offer a versatile approach to detect and quantify methane emissions from a distance - without the need for direct sampling at the emission source.

Imaging systems equipped with scanning units or focal plane array (FPA) detectors can even generate real-time chemical images of methane plumes overlaid on video footage of the scene. Such systems provide an intuitive visualization of the source of the methane gas clouds.

When equipped with quantification capabilities, these remote sensing systems deliver column-averaged methane concentrations across the observed plume, whether near the ground or throughout the atmospheric column. Since satellite instruments also measure column-averaged concentrations, ground-based FTIR systems are particularly well-suited for satellite data validation.

This presentation will introduce the working principles of various ground-based FTIR remote sensing systems and highlight application examples, including methane measurements at coal mining sites.