UAV Remote Methane Leak Detector
The gas sensor isbased on a practice-proven handheld detector that is already widely used in the gas industry. An eye-safe laser with a filter in the bandwidth where methane has a high absorption along with an algorithm measures the gas emissions in parts per million multiplied by meter (ppm*m). With methane being the main component present in natural and other gases, methane detection is a reliable method for leak detection. An on-board data grabber records the flight path together with the gas concentration and stores it onboard. The leak data are available immediately after the flight in a standard format (XLS) to create a comprehensive report. This report can be used as proof of inspection and to indicate areas with high emissions / leaks.Due to its 600 gram weight, a battery life exceeding five hours coupled with an independent operating system, the sensor can be easily integrated in a wide range of UAVs. At a later stage, a ready-to-go package including UAV will be available. From production, processing through transport and distribution, an impressive number of applications can be realized with the utilization of this sensor. Landfill emission monitoring as well as surveys in difficult to access areas that previously required scaffolding are further examples of usage.
International research institutes have successfully tested the solution in the forefront. The first orders will be delivered at the end of July 2015. A limited number of loaner units are available for test and integration purposes.
