Measurement and Monitoring of Chlorine Gas Emissions at Deep Well Anode Vent Tube Outlets

Abstract This is a case study focusing on continuous monitoring of toxic gas emissions. The high current output of a typical deep well anode bed creates a reaction with the salts present in the substrate around the anode that produces concentrations of chlorine gas. Unless the chlorine is vented to the surface it will attack the cable insulation and react with the copper in the system eventually leaving the system functionally inoperable. Landowners at or near pipeline rights of ways where chlorine gas is vented to the atmosphere raised concerns regarding the potential environmental impact of chlorine emissions. The landowners instituted requirements for the pipeline operators with assets on these lands to monitor and report the emission levels. This requirement prompted the pipeline operating companies to pursue a solution to measure and monitor on a continual basis the magnitude of the chlorine gas emissions to address the landowner's concerns. In addition to the chlorine gas monitoring on which this case study is focused, this monitoring technology has applications for monitoring methane emissions from underground gas storage facilities, H2S and other toxic gases in production fields, CO2 emissions from carbon sequestration sites, and other hazardous or regulated gas emissions.