Multigas Sensor Detecting Methane and Ethane Simultaneously
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas detection systems in the oil and gas industry are limited by their ability to detect multiple combustible gases simultaneously, leading to increased costs and complexity, as well as underreporting of other gases.
Innovation Solution
A MEMS-based multigas sensor system that uses a radar chart to detect and quantify multiple gases, including methane, ethane, propane, butane, acetone, and methanol, by analyzing special qualities of the gas using multiple probes, allowing for real-time monitoring and rapid detection of gas leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional gas detection systems are used to detect multiple combustible gases simultaneously, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gas detection functions into a single integrated sensor unit that can detect multiple gas types (methane, ethane, propane, butane, acetone, methanol) simultaneously. The sensor integrates multiple sensing elements and signal processing circuits in one compact device, eliminating the need for separate detection systems for each gas type.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed as a universal multi-functional device capable of detecting various combustible gases and vapors using a single unit. The sensor employs multiple probes that can identify different gas species through their unique spectral signatures, allowing one device to perform what previously required multiple specialized detectors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional gas detection systems are used to detect multiple combustible gases simultaneously, then detection capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gas detection functions into a single integrated sensor unit that can detect multiple gas types (methane, ethane, propane, butane, acetone, methanol) simultaneously. The sensor integrates multiple sensing elements and signal processing circuits in one compact device, eliminating the need for separate detection systems for each gas type.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed as a universal multi-functional device capable of detecting various combustible gases and vapors using a single unit. The sensor employs multiple probes that can identify different gas species through their unique spectral signatures, allowing one device to perform what previously required multiple specialized detectors.
3Reliability
If traditional gas detection systems are used, then systematic leaks can be detected, but random leaks are underreported and detection accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor utilizes spectral analysis where different gases produce unique absorption patterns at specific wavelengths. By measuring the absorption characteristics across multiple wavelengths, the sensor can distinguish between different gas types and accurately quantify their concentrations, preventing misidentification and underreporting of random leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor incorporates signal processing that compares measured spectral signatures against known reference patterns for various gases. This feedback mechanism enables the system to accurately identify and report different gas types, improving detection precision for both systematic and random leaks by continuously refining measurements based on spectral matching.
Data Source
AI summary
A fugitive gas detection system is provided. The system includes a cloud service, a plurality of reach-based components, a plurality of wireless gas sensors. The reach-based components comprise backhauls and gateways. The wireless gas sensors are acted as nodes to acquire sensor data in a local mesh network and the nodes are connected to the cloud service through the reach-based components, one node can transmit the sensor data to other sensor nodes of the local mesh network. The system measures flammable gas levels with speed, economy and accuracy.