Airborne LIDAR Hydrocarbon Bubble Detection in Shallow Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack an effective way to detect hydrocarbon bubbles in shallow water using Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) for hydrocarbon exploration and brownfield remediation, as existing LIDAR techniques are not adapted for this specific application.
Innovation Solution
Adapting LIDAR technology by modifying the volume scattering coefficient models used for detecting fish to account for hydrocarbon bubbles, incorporating parameters such as bubble coating type and void fraction, to enhance signal-to-noise and signal-to-background ratios for accurate detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing LIDAR techniques are used for detecting hydrocarbon bubbles, then the general LIDAR functionality is maintained, but the detection accuracy and signal-to-noise ratio are insufficient for this specific application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the volume scattering coefficient model by changing key parameters to account for hydrocarbon bubble characteristics. Specifically, it incorporates bubble coating type (lipid or protein), coating thickness, and void fraction parameters into the scattering model, transforming the generic LIDAR detection parameters into application-specific parameters optimized for hydrocarbon bubble detection in shallow water
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary modeling and characterization of hydrocarbon bubble optical properties before actual detection. By pre-establishing the modified scattering coefficient model with appropriate parameters for different bubble conditions, the system prepares the detection framework in advance, enabling accurate real-time detection without requiring complex adaptive adjustments during operation
2Reliability
If LIDAR is used to detect hydrocarbon bubbles in shallow water, then hydrocarbon exploration capability is enhanced, but the signal-to-background ratio remains challenging due to water surface interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the detection system sensitive to specific local characteristics of hydrocarbon bubbles rather than treating all targets uniformly. The modified volume scattering coefficient model incorporates local parameters such as bubble coating composition (lipid vs. protein), coating thickness, and void fraction, enabling the system to distinguish hydrocarbon bubbles from other water surface features by their unique local optical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the modified scattering model that accounts for void fraction and coating properties. By incorporating these parameters into the detection algorithm, the system can iteratively refine its interpretation of LIDAR returns, using the modeled expected scattering characteristics as feedback to distinguish true hydrocarbon bubble signals from background water surface interference
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
Enables the detection of hydrocarbon bubbles in shallow water environments, facilitating hydrocarbon exploration and remediation by improving the signal-to-noise and signal-to-background ratios, thus enhancing the capability to locate hydrocarbon sources and manage hydrocarbon resources effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The pulsed laser light is reflected off the target and based on the laser return time and wavelength, the target's location can be identified
Implementation Method 2
LIDAR is a remote surveying and sensing technique that utilizes pulsed laser light to measure distance and identify targets
Implementation Method 3
bubble volume scattering coefficient βbubble=K Fvoid
Data Source
AI summary
Detection of hydrocarbon bubbles in water using Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) to survey shallow water environments for the detection of surface hydrocarbon bubbles therein using LIDAR for the purposes of hydrocarbon exploration and/or brownfield remediation. Embodiments include a method of deploying an airborne LIDAR system configured to detect surface hydrocarbon bubbles in a shallow water environment, the LIDAR system accounting for a bubble volume scattering coefficient; and surveying, using the LIDAR system, the shallow water environment to detect surface hydrocarbon bubbles therein.