Remote-sensing natural gas leak detector with novel optical filter. Final report, November 1990-July 1991
The conceptual design of a van-mounted natural gas leak detector system, based on a novel optical filter concept, was completed along with an analysis of its characteristics. The optical filter transmits optical radiation associated with the detection of methane or ethane while blocking the signal from interfering gases such as water vapor. Performance of the filter was optimized with the help of a computer program which employed high resolution spectral data of methane and ethane and water vapor in the 1.6 micrometer and 3.3 micrometer regions. A signal-to-noise calculation indicated that a double-ended system operating in the 3.3 micrometer range could detect methane concentrations as low as 1 ppm in a 1 meter pathlength while the survey vehicle is traveling at speeds up to 30 kph (20 mph). A preliminary breadboard system was assembled to confirm these predictions. The main leak detector head would be located below the front bumper of the leak survey van and connected to a central computerized data processor display and storage unit inside the van. An optional additional leak sensor head is located on an extendable side-arm which can be used to leak check along the berm of the roadway, if desired.
- Research Organization:
- Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (United States). Science and Technology Center
- OSTI ID:
- 5927341
- Report Number(s):
- PB-92-127018/XAB; REPT-91-9SR2-GRISN-R2; CNN: GRI-5090-252-1898
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: See also AD-A188 435. Sponsored by Gas Research Inst., Chicago, IL
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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EXTENDED PERFORMANCE HANDHELD AND MOBILE SENSORS FOR REMOTE DETECTION OF NATURAL GAS LEAKS
Related Subjects
LEAK DETECTORS
DESIGN
NATURAL GAS
DETECTION
PIPELINES
LEAK TESTING
COMPUTER CALCULATIONS
DATA PROCESSING
ETHANE
METHANE
OPTICAL FILTERS
PERFORMANCE
PORTABLE EQUIPMENT
ROADS
SAFETY
SPECTROMETERS
WATER VAPOR
ALKANES
ENERGY SOURCES
EQUIPMENT
FILTERS
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
HYDROCARBONS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PROCESSING
TESTING
VAPORS
032000* - Natural Gas- Transport
Handling
& Storage