Title: High-sensitivity gas-mapping 3D imager and method of operation

Abstract

Measurement apparatuses and methods are disclosed for generating high-precision and -accuracy gas concentration maps that can be overlaid with 3D topographic images by rapidly scanning one or several modulated laser beams with a spatially-encoded transmitter over a scene to build-up imagery. Independent measurements of the topographic target distance and path-integrated gas concentration are combined to yield a map of the path-averaged concentration between the sensor and each point in the image. This type of image is particularly useful for finding localized regions of elevated (or anomalous) gas concentration making it ideal for large-area leak detection and quantification applications including: oil and gas pipeline monitoring, chemical processing facility monitoring, and environmental monitoring.

Inventors:

Kreitinger, Aaron; Thorpe, Michael

Issue Date:

Tue May 15 00:00:00 EDT 2018

Research Org.:

Bridger Photonics, Inc., Bozeman, MT (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1440767

Patent Number(s):

9970756

Application Number:

15/285,550

Assignee:

Bridger Photonics, Inc. (Bozeman, MT)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01B - MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS

G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01C - MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS

Show more

G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01B - MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS

G01B21/20 - for measuring contours or curvatures, e.g. determining profile

G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01C - MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS

G01C15/00 - Surveying instruments or accessories not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C13/00

G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01M - TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES

G01M3/28 - for pipes, cables or tubes
G01M3/38 - by using light

G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01N - INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

G01N2021/1793 - {Remote sensing}
G01N2021/1795 - {Atmospheric mapping of gases}
G01N21/39 - using tunable lasers
G01N21/53 - within a flowing fluid, e.g. smoke

G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01P - MEASURING LINEAR OR ANGULAR SPEED, ACCELERATION, DECELERATION, OR SHOCK

G01P5/00 - Measuring speed of fluids, e.g. of air stream

Show less

DOE Contract Number:  

AR0000544

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 2016 Oct 05

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION