BAGI: a new concept for detecting and tracking hazardous gases

Conference · Sat Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983

OSTI ID:5360025

McRae, T G

A new concept for the detection and tracking of toxic or flammable gases resulting from accidental spills or leaks is presented. The Backscatter Absorption Gas Imaging (BAGI) technique is based on the optical radiation augmentation of the field of view of an imaging device by laser radiation corresponding to an absorption line of the gas species to be detected. The technique also requires that there be a reflective or scattering background in the field of view and that the laser wavelength correspond to an atmospheric window. Several schematic representations of possible BAGI systems, along with some minimum detectable gas concentrations and laser combinations, are presented. In addition, a list of about 20 toxic and flammable materials which show a high probability of absorption of carbon dioxide (CO/sub 2/) laser radiation are included. The BAGI system performance parameters of laser power, image system spectral bandwidth, terrain reflectivity, and range are discussed. The laser power requirements are greatly reduced by synchronizing the unexpanded laser beam with the raster-like, scanning field of view of the flying-spot imager. It is estimated that a production-grade BAGI system will cost about $50K per unit. An example of the range and detection sensitivity for the BAGI methane gas detection system are presented and discussed.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 5360025
• Report Number(s): UCRL-89459; CONF-840475-2; ON: DE84004061
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
030500 -- Natural Gas-- Health & Safety
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400104* -- Spectral Procedures-- (-1987)
AIR POLLUTION
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GAS SPILLS
GASES
LASER SPECTROSCOPY
NATURAL GAS
POLLUTION
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SPECTROSCOPY