Mobile LiDAR Sensor for Rapid and Sensitive Methane Leak Detection Applications

Under Development

Bridger Photonics More »

DOE ARPA-E

Damage Prevention and Mitigation -- Leak Detection

Bridger's complete light-detection and ranging (LiDAR) remote sensing system will use a near-infrared fiber laser amplifier in a system mounted on a ground vehicle or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which can be programmed to survey multiple wellpads a day. Data captured by the LiDAR system will provide 3D topographic and methane absorption imagery using integrated inertial navigation and global positioning system data to show precisely where a methane leak may be occurring and at what rate.

The project goal is to develop a mobile methane sensing system capable of surveying a 10 x 10 meter well platform in just over five minutes.

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

Reduced Operations Cost - The goal is for one device to be able to service up to 85 sites, costing $1,400 to $2,220 a year to operate per wellsite.

https://arpa-e.energy.gov/?q=slick-sheet-project/mobile-methane-sensing-system