Assessment of open-path spectrometer accuracy at low path-integrated methane concentrations

Abstract

The accurate measurement of greenhouse gas emissions is a challenge for atmospheric science. Long-range open-path sensors are flexible enough to be applied to a variety of complex emission sources, and single devices are often used to measure both high and low path-integrated concentrations. As this technology develops, it is important to examine potential sources of inaccuracy. A GasFinder3 open-path laser was tested with a range of path-integrated concentrations from 11.7 to 182 ppm-m CH4 using certified standard gases. The measured path-integrated concentrations had a positive bias which was higher than 10% at low path-integrated concentrations (<50 ppm-m) with a declining trend expected to be under 2% at 200 ppm-m. A linear equation was used to correct the measured path-integrated concentrations to fit the expected values. After correction, the average bias was reduced to-0.36% and there was no relationship with path-integrated concentration. A relative bias less than ±3% was achieved above ca. 150 ppm-m with or without calibration. Measurement campaigns may reduce error by increasing path lengths to maximize path-integrated concentration. When low path-integrated concentrations are expected, calibration over the expected range is beneficial.