Automated Gas Leak Detection via Spectral Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas leak detection methods are labor-intensive, costly, and prone to variability due to human error and lack scalability, making it difficult to efficiently monitor large numbers of sites for gas leaks in natural gas fields.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an optical component, spectrometer, and data processor to analyze light and generate spectral data, identifying specific wavelength ranges to determine gas concentrations, allowing for automated and precise detection of gas leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional FLIR cameras and Method 21 instrumentation are used for gas leak detection, then quantitative measurement capability is achieved, but labor intensity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods (technicians physically visiting sites with handheld devices) with an automated optical detection system that uses spectroscopy to identify and quantify gas leaks remotely, thereby maintaining measurement precision while eliminating labor intensity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service detection by using ambient light sources (sunlight or other illumination) that pass through the gas plume, allowing the gas itself to serve as the target for detection without requiring active transmission devices or manual probing at each location
2Reliability
If manual inspection by technicians is used, then detection accuracy is maintained through human judgment, but scalability to multiple sites is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human operator judgment with automated spectral analysis algorithms that objectively identify gas concentrations based on absorption spectra, maintaining detection accuracy while enabling scalable deployment across numerous sites through remote operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves universality by designing a multi-functional platform that can detect various hydrocarbon gases (methane, ethane, propane, butane) using the same spectral analysis methodology, allowing a single system to serve multiple detection purposes across different sites and gas types
3Productivity
If more technicians and leak detection devices are deployed to increase inspection frequency, then detection coverage improves, but cost grows rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive manual inspection resources with a cost-effective automated optical system that can monitor multiple sites with reduced personnel requirements, thereby increasing inspection frequency while controlling costs through automation and remote operation capability
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 approach enables efficient, automated, and precise detection of gas leaks, reducing labor costs and variability, and allowing for scalable monitoring of multiple sites without the need for extensive human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a spectrometer configured to receive and process the light to generate raw spectral data
Implementation Method 2
identify a first wavelength range that is sensitive to a target gas and a second wavelength range that is not sensitive to the target gas
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to improved systems, methods, and computer readable media for detecting gas leaks. More particularly, the invention detects gas leaks or discharges, such as methane or any other suitable gases, by analyzing reflected or direct light that passes through a region of enhanced target gas concentration. The invention collects light and processes spectral data of the light. All molecules are subject to rotational motions, vibrational motions, and/or combinations thereof (rovibrational motions), in which the atoms in the molecule are vibrating with respect to each other and/or rotating around each other. When the light passes through the region of the target gas, a portion of the light with certain wavelengths will be absorbed by the target gas due to the rovibrational motions of the target gas molecules. By analyzing the magnitude of absorption at certain wavelengths, one can determine the concentration of certain target gas or gases.