Monitoring Methane Emissions from Agriculture and Dairy Farming

Methane (CH4) is the second most prevalent greenhouse gas emitted from human activities. In 2014, CH4 was responsible for around 11% of all US greenhouse gas emissions caused by human actions.

Methane is emitted by a range of natural sources such as marshlands, leakage from natural gas systems and livestock farming. Domestic livestock such as cattle, sheep and goats, produce significant amounts of CH4 as part of the normal digestive processes in the ruminant stomach system. Ruminant animals host bacteria in their gastrointestinal systems to aid in the breakdown of plant material and some of these microorganisms (methanogens) use the acetate from the plant material to produce methane.

This means that whenever the animal eructates (burps) or defecates, it emits a significant quantity of methane at the same time. In addition, stockpiled rotting animal manure for use by farms in fertilising fields can also be a potent source of the gas. From a global perspective agriculture is the primary source of CH4 emissions and ways to measure the effect and reduce the overall emissions are constantly being sought.

The Gascard NG Infrared Gas Sensor from Edinburgh Sensors Ltd. is the ideal adjunct to any automatic gas detection system for measuring methane levels during milking (it can be used alongside other gas detection technologies if required). The Gascard NG infrared gas sensor has been designed to be easily integrated with gas detection systems that require high quality, accurate and reliable concentration measurement of a range of common gases including CO, CO2 and CH4.

The system incorporates flexibility and a range of important features including: on-board Barometric Pressure Correction in the range 800mbar to 1150mbar, wider operating voltage range (7V to 30V), true RS232 communications for control and data logging. Optional on-board LAN support, and true volume % readings over a wide range of temperatures and pressures.