Photonic Sensor Selective Methane Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methane detection technologies face challenges in achieving high-sensitivity, selectivity, and cost-effectiveness, particularly in demanding applications like fugitive methane detection in the oil and gas sector, where they often suffer from cross-sensitivity to other gases, leading to inaccurate readings and false alarms.

Innovation Solution

A photonic sensor system utilizing multivariable photonic resonant transducers with an open-air structure and methane-sensing moieties, integrated into interferometric nanostructure layers, which allows for spatially-controlled interactions with gases, enabling selective vapor response and rejecting ambient interferents through geometrical, functionalization, and spatial distribution designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If photonic resonant vapor sensors operate on univariate vapor quantitation principles, then detection capability is achieved, but cross-sensitivity to other gases increases leading to false alarms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidfalse alarm rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is divided into multiple independent sensing elements, each tuned to detect specific gases at different wavelengths. Instead of using a single univariate sensor, the system segments the detection function across multiple specialized sensors that work together to provide selective gas identification and quantification, thereby reducing cross-sensitivity and false alarms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from univariate detection (single wavelength) to multivariate detection (multiple wavelengths). By measuring absorbance across multiple spectral dimensions simultaneously, the system can distinguish between different gases based on their unique spectral fingerprints, eliminating cross-sensitivity issues inherent in single-wavelength detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If chemical dyes and pigments are used for colorimetric sensing, then selectivity for specific gases can be achieved, but inability to measure simple small molecule gases occurs due to lack of chemical interactions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas selectivityVSAvoiddetectable gas range

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces chemical interaction mechanisms with physical optical absorption mechanisms. Instead of relying on chemical dyes that require specific chemical interactions with target gases, the system uses photonic sensors that detect gases based on their inherent optical absorption spectra, enabling detection of simple small molecule gases like methane, ethane, and other hydrocarbons without requiring chemical reactivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the detection parameter from chemical reactivity to optical absorption characteristics. By measuring the absorption of light at specific wavelengths by gas molecules, the system can detect and differentiate between various gases based on their unique spectral signatures, expanding the range of detectable gases beyond what is possible with chemical dye-based sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The system provides accurate, selective, and cost-effective methane detection, reducing false alarms and improving detection accuracy by differentiating methane from other gases, even in harsh environments, while being suitable for use in various industrial settings without the need for high-temperature heating.

Implementation Method 1

The second principle involves chemical means of color formation by physical principles of light interactions with optical materials and involves light interference, diffraction, scattering, and combinations thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight interference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 4

The classification and strengths of interactions between molecules of a gas and molecules of the sensing material are well established and range from weak to strong interactions. Non-limiting examples of such interactions include covalent or ionic bond formation, ligand coordination, electrostatic ion-ion and proton acid-base interactions, hydrogen bonding, halogen bonding, charge-transfer and π-π molecular complexation, dipolar and multipolar interactions, and van der Waals interactions (e.g., physical adsorption)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS9880142B2Photonic sensor for in situ selective detection of components in a fluid

Publication Date: 2018.01.30 GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LLC

AI summary

A photonic sensor system includes: a photodetector; a signal processor coupled to the photodetector; and a sensor structure configured to provide fluid-response selectivity, spatially distribute light, and to receive light from a light source and convey light to the photodetector. The sensor structure includes a plurality of fluid sensitive interferometric nanostructure layers manufactured on a substrate; wherein the plurality of fluid sensitive interferometric nanostructure layers includes alternating high and low porosity layers.