Introducing the Next Generation of the Legendary LMm Laser Methane Detector — Laser Methane Smart
We Invent to Prevent.
+1 425 251-1483
285 SW 41st Street, Renton, WA 98057, USA
ALMA G5
A high-performance laser detector for helicopters, light aircrafts, and UAVs, designed for rapid detection of methane leaks along extensive aboveground and underground gas pipelines.
Aircraft-based laser methane detector
ALMA G5 is an advanced airborne laser methane detection system designed for deployment on small aircraft and UAVs. The system detects methane leaks from distances of up to 490 ft, or up to 980 ft with an optional amplifier, making it ideal for inspecting gas pipelines, compressor stations, storage facilities, and other potential sources of methane emissions. Precisely tuned to methane absorption wavelengths, ALMA G5 minimizes false positives and delivers highly reliable detection performance in complex operating environments. The system can survey up to 370 mi of infrastructure per day while accurately identifying leaks at flight speeds of up to 62 mph. Compared with previous-generation models, ALMA G5 features a more compact design, four times the laser power, double the measurement rate, and shorter laser pulses. Together, these improvements provide twice the sensitivity, enabling the detection of smaller leaks with greater confidence. An integrated infrared ranging laser continuously measures the distance to the target, eliminating the need for a separate external rangefinder and simplifying installation and operation.
Updated interface and software
The software and user interface have been completely redesigned compared to the previous model. ALMA G5 package includes software for use during inspections, as well as software for post-processing and report generation.
The data on the operator's screen:
- Methane concentration
- Geographical position
- Map
- Flight route
- GPS coordinates and images of the leak location
Finding gas leaks with AI
ALMA G5 utilizes AistroSpace algorithm to detect methane leaks
- Environment detection with positioning
- Object segmentation
- Anomaly detection
- Data normalization with reporting and integration
We suggest using AI hardware Nvidia Jetson
- Easy installation
- 12/24V power supply
- Dust and moisture-proof case (IP67)
- Ability to use it in a helicopters
- Additional software functionality for specific tasks
- Turnkey solution.
AistroSpace algorithm includes four modules:
Versatility of applications
Wide range of installation platforms
ALMA G5 can be mounted on gyroplanes, light aircraft such as Cessna or helicopters like the R44, R22, and Jet Ranger. Weighing only 14 lb, the device is also suitable for industrial UAVs, fixed-wing drones, and is compatible with off-road and all-terrain vehicles.
The system has been successfully tested on all these platforms and reliably identifies locations of methane leaks. The ALMA G5 operates autonomously, while enabling the operator to monitor and adjust its performance in real time.
The system has been successfully tested on all these platforms and reliably identifies locations of methane leaks. The ALMA G5 operates autonomously, while enabling the operator to monitor and adjust its performance in real time.
Key features and advantages
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Device mounted on a helicopter or in a fixed wing - Full automation + full AI operation
- Detects faster than conventional method
- Highly sensitive, wide measurement range
- Real time measurement and alarm feature
- Insensitive to other gases (water vapor, propane)
- Minimal interference with environment
- Pilot camera and monitor to aim laser
- Extensive data storage capacity
- GPS tracking utilising map system navigation
- Laser rangefinder integrated to the main laser channel
- Automatic and continuously performs self-check to ensure ability to detect gas
- Post processing software
- Each leak detection is reported with time, gas concentration, GPS coordinates and 4K image
- Optional IR camera installation
How ALMA G5 works
ALMA G5 utilizes TDLAS technology
TDLAS (Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy) technology uses a tunable diode laser for precise gas analysis. The laser emits a narrow beam of light at a specific wavelength that matches the absorption characteristics of the target gas. When this beam passes through the gas and reflects off a surface, part of the light is absorbed by gas molecules. A sensor captures the reflected beam, and the gas concentration is determined by measuring the reduction in light intensity. ALMA G5 is designed for operation from helicopters and small aircraft, allowing the laser to survey large sections of gas pipelines at high speed.
The ALMA G5 utilizes a laser scanning system in which the laser beam follows a specific trajectory shown in the figure:
- the black line shows the trajectory of the helicopter projected on the ground
- the red line shows how the laser beam moves over the surface
- red dots mark points every 10 milliseconds
ALMA G5 applications
ALMA G5 is designed for a wide range of aircraft-based inspections of methane infrastructure
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Underground Gas Storage
-
Gas Distribution Station
-
Gas Processing Plant
-
Gas Compression Station
-
Transportation Gas Pipeline
-
Gas Storage
ALMA G5 applications
ALMA G5 is designed for a wide range of aircraft-based inspections of methane infrastructure
Underground
Gas Storage
Gas Storage
Transportation Gas Pipeline
Gas Distribution
Station
Station
Gas Processing
Plant
Plant
Gas Compression
Station
Station
Gas
Storage
Storage
What's inside the box
- Tablet (aircraft version) / mini computer (UAV version)Is the main computer for real time data monitoring, data recording and post inspection data analysis.
- Optical UnitHousing the Laser, optics, photodetectors, mirrors, rangefinder and cameras.
- Pilot MonitorHelps pilot aim laser
FAQ
Honest answers to important questions
No, each device is designed to detect a specific gas. This provides a 100% probability of leak detection of methane and not any other gas.
Laser radiation is completely safe, it corresponds to class 1.
Yes. It is an active device, it emits at a certain narrow wavelength, so it does not need additional signal sources.
No, there is no impact.
No. The detector contains a reference container with methane inside and calibration is performed at each start-up and during operation.
The detector does not need to be verified because it is not a measuring tool.
It works remotely. There is no direct contact with the hazardous environment.
Yes, because glass transmits the near infrared radiation well.
Our company specializes in methane detectors, but at your request we can supply a fully ready-to-use complex. Due to our partnership with UAV manufacturers, we can fully integrate the detector into the UAV design.
Contact us
You can order the equipment or ask questions here