1D Gas Sampling Array for Mobile Leak Flux Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting gas leaks from a mobile platform are inadequate as they require multiple gas concentration sensors around the leak location, which is impractical for mobile applications like natural gas utility distribution systems.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a 2D or 1D array of gas sample inlets to create a gas concentration image by acquiring and analyzing gas samples from multiple locations, combining this data with ambient flow information to estimate gas flux from the leak source, without the need for sensors around the leak, using a single gas analysis instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple gas concentration sensors are disposed around the leak location, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to the impracticality of mobile deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement task by using a 1D array of gas sample inlets that moves through the gas plume over time, creating a 2D measurement matrix (position vs. concentration). This temporal-spatial segmentation allows mobile leak detection with a single sensor array, avoiding the need for multiple stationary sensors around the leak source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the time dimension to the measurement process by moving the 1D sensor array through the plume, transforming a spatial measurement problem into a spatio-temporal measurement. This dimensionality change enables mobile detection capability while maintaining measurement precision through the creation of a 2D concentration image.
2Measurement precision
If multiple gas analysis instruments are used for simultaneous multi-point measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single gas analysis instrument by using a 1D array of gas sample inlets that sequentially sample different positions in the plume. The single instrument processes samples from multiple locations over time, eliminating the need for multiple simultaneous analysis instruments while maintaining measurement precision through the 2D concentration image reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic sampling action where the moving 1D sensor array periodically captures gas samples from different positions in the plume. This periodic measurement approach, combined with the known motion trajectory, enables reconstruction of the full 2D concentration distribution using a single analysis instrument.
3Device complexity
If a single point gas concentration measurement is taken, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates as it cannot determine total gas leak rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by moving the 1D sensor array through the plume to collect spatial concentration data before performing the leak rate calculation. This preliminary spatial sampling creates a 2D concentration image that contains all necessary information for accurate leak rate determination, enabling subsequent precise quantification with simple post-processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A gas concentration image (i.e., concentration vs. position data) in a cross section through a gas plume is obtained. Such measurements can be obtained by using a 2D array of gas sample inlets, or by moving a 1D array of gas sample inlets through the gas plume. By combining a gas concentration image with ambient flow information through the surface of the gas concentration image, the leak rate (i.e., gas flux) from the leak source can be estimated. Gas samples are simultaneously acquired by filling two or more gas sample storage chambers. This is the default operation mode, which is convenient to regard as recording mode. The other operating mode is a playback mode, where the gas samples in the gas sample storage chamber are sequentially provided to a gas analysis instrument. Gas collection via line pixels can be used to compensate for vertical wind speed variation.