Gas Plume Source Location via Spatial Correlation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating gas plume emissions are either overly complex due to multi-point measurements and atmospheric modeling or require direct access to the leak, leading to biases and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The approach involves simultaneous concentration measurements at spatially separated points to estimate the lateral spatial extent of the plume, using a simple time-independent plume model that accounts for meandering, allowing for estimation of plume emission rates without needing detailed atmospheric knowledge or direct access to the source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multi-point measurements combined with detailed atmospheric modeling are used, then measurement coverage is improved, but model complexity increases and results become disappointing in practice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential correlation information from multi-point measurements, separating the useful signal (spatial correlation of concentrations) from the unnecessary complexity (detailed atmospheric modeling). By focusing solely on the correlation structure between measurement points, the method achieves plume emission estimates without requiring complex atmospheric models, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement coverage and model complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified representation of the plume model that copies only the necessary correlation characteristics from the complex atmospheric reality. Instead of using detailed atmospheric physics, the method uses a simplified plume model that replicates the essential spatial correlation behavior, allowing for accurate emission estimates with much reduced model complexity.
2Reliability
If measurements are taken over a long period of time, then stochastic variability is reduced, but detailed knowledge of atmosphere and terrain is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential information needed for reliable measurements from the time-averaged data, separating the correlation structure from the need for detailed atmospheric knowledge. By analyzing the correlation between concentration measurements at different points and times, the method achieves reliable emission estimates without requiring complex formulations of atmospheric conditions and terrain characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If direct measurement by physically enclosing the leak is used, then emission rate measurement is direct, but physical access is required and labor is intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses concentration measurements at remote spatial points as intermediaries to infer the emission rate. Instead of directly enclosing the leak, the method uses the plume's spatial correlation characteristics as a mediator to indirectly determine emission rate, eliminating the need for physical access to the leak source while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically enclosing the leak with a field-based measurement approach. Instead of using physical barriers and direct containment, the method uses concentration field measurements and correlation analysis to determine emission rate, substituting mechanical intervention with observational science.
4Device complexity
If simple plume model is used, then model complexity is reduced, but detailed knowledge of atmosphere and leak parameters is still required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the observed spatial correlation of concentration measurements as feedback to constrain and calibrate the simple plume model. By continuously comparing model predictions with actual correlation measurements, the method automatically adjusts to account for atmospheric conditions and leak parameters, reducing the need for explicit input of detailed atmospheric and terrain information while maintaining model simplicity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method provides accurate and reliable estimates of gas plume emissions, including vertical and horizontal extent and source location, with reduced complexity and labor intensity, using wind direction and speed information.
Implementation Method 1
The spatial correlation of these concentrations (as can be visualized using a scatter plot of CAj vs. CBj) can be used to estimate the vertical extent of the plume
Implementation Method 2
Location estimates for sources of gas leaks can be provided by combining such distance estimates with wind direction information
Data Source
AI summary
Repeated simultaneous concentration measurements at spatially separated points are used to provide information on the lateral spatial extent of a gas plume. More specifically the spatial correlations in this data provide this information. Fitting a gas plume model directly to this multi-point data can provide good estimates of total plume emission. The distance between the plume source and the measurement points does not need to be known to provide these estimates. It is also not necessary to perform any detailed atmospheric modeling. These estimates of the lateral spatial extent of a gas plume can also be used to provide a distance estimate to the source of the gas plume. Wind direction information can be used to provide improved location estimates for sources of gas leaks.