Microstructured Fiber for Infrared Absorption Measurements of Methane Concentration

Under Development

General Electric More »

DOE ARPA-E

Damage Prevention and Mitigation -- Leak Detection

Project is designing, fabricating, and testing a hollow core, microstructured optical fiber for long path-length transmission of infrared radiation at methane absorption wavelengths. Micrometer-sized side-holes allow gases to penetrate into the hollow core. A combination of techniques allow quantification and localization of methane in the hollow core.

Hollow core fiber segments can be linked together in a design that can span over 100km and enable continuous pipeline.

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

Reduced Operations Cost - The fiber detector is expected to be cost competitive with other highly selective methane detectors, and offer innovative capabilities for more cost-effective methane monitoring.

https://arpa-e.energy.gov/?q=slick-sheet-project/optical-fibers-methane-detection