Assessing anomalies in methane mass flow estimation: Investigating findings and lessons for enhanced monitoring

Aeromon participated in a controlled methane release test campaign organized by IMEO and Stanford University at the TADI test centre in Lacq, France, during June 2024. During the comparison of reported and true mass release rates an abnormal mismatch was found, where reported values appeared lower than actual release rates. A thorough investigation traced this variance to an unexpected malfunction in the on-board wind sensor. To ensure a comprehensive understanding, Aeromon conducted a full-system review from data collection to analysis, identifying key areas for strengthening quality assurance protocols. The key phases of the backtracking process and findings are presented in this work. To further validate the integrity of Aeromon’s methodology, an independent re-analysis using wind LIDAR data from TotalEnergies was conducted. This resulted in a linear fit with slope of 0.92 against the actual flow rates—compared to 0.47 for the initially reported rates—reinforcing that the measurement approach remains reliable when paired with high-quality wind data, leading to valuable insights for future refinement. This analysis confirmed the robustness of Aeromon’s methodology, demonstrating its ability to produce reliable results even when adapted to LIDAR-based wind data—a novel approach that had not been previously tested in this context. The integration of LIDAR data as an alternative verification method marks a step forward in refining airborne methane quantification techniques, opening possibilities for future enhancements in real-world monitoring applications. As an R&D initiative, the TADI campaign proved invaluable in driving methodological innovation and quality control improvements. These insights will not only enhance future Aeromon measurement campaigns but also contribute to broader industry advancements in methane emission detection and reporting. By proactively identifying and addressing challenges, Aeromon continues to push the boundaries of airborne emission monitoring, setting new benchmarks for accuracy, reliability, and scientific integrity in environmental measurement solutions.