Miniature, High Accuracy Tunable Mid-IR Laser Spectrometer for CH4/C2H6 Leak Detection

Under Development

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DOE ARPA-E

Damage Prevention and Mitigation -- Leak Detection

The system combines a compact spectrometer based on a mid-infrared laser, multi-port sampling system, and advanced computational approach to enable highly sensitive, accurate methane leak quantification and localization. The approach will use artificial neural networks and dispersion models to quantify and locate leaks with increased accuracy and reduced computational time in a diverse range of meteorological conditions and wellpad configurations. At each wellpad, a control unit will house the core sensor, a computing unit to process data, and wireless capability to transmit leak information to an operator, while the multi-port gas-sampling system will be distributed across the wellpad.

The project goal is to be able to detect and measure methane leaks smaller than 1 ton per year from a 10x10 meter site.

Increased Safety - Safety and fugitive emissions could be improved by ability to detect and contain methane leaks more quickly.

Reduced Operations Cost - The researchers hope to reduce annual monitoring costs from $25,000 to below $3,000 annually.

https://arpa-e.energy.gov/?q=slick-sheet-project/methane-leak-detection-system-0
http://www.aerissensors.com