The invention provides a method of online and on-site tracer generation
for tagging natural gas stored in underground storage fields wherein
feedstock is drawn from a feedstock source. The feedstock undergoes
initial analysis to determine hydrocarbon levels. The feedstock then
undergoes reaction to produce tracers such as ethylene, propylene,
acetylene hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The feedstock is then analyzed to
determine post reaction tracer concentration. The feedstock including
generated tracers is then introduced back into the feedstock stream.
Tracer levels in the pre-reaction or initial analysis of feedstock are
compared with tracer levels in the post-reaction feedstock and the rate
of flow of feedstock through the system is adjusted to achieve a
predetermined level of tracer concentration. The level of tracer
concentration will then be used to identify the particular natural gas
charge in a storage field.