Drone-based gas leak detection system for use in industry

Angus G. MacGruer; Steven D. Johnson; Kyle J. Nutt; Miles J. Padgett; Graham M. Gibson

doi:10.1117/12.2691068

30 November 2023 Drone-based gas leak detection system for use in industry

Angus G. MacGruer, Steven D. Johnson, Kyle J. Nutt, Miles J. Padgett, Graham M. Gibson

Proceedings Volume 12795, Quantum Technology: Driving Commercialisation of an Enabling Science IV; 1279503 (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2691068
Event: SPIE Photonex, 2023, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Abstract

Gas leaks pose a prevalent issue in industry and can have pressing impacts on individual safety and the environment. There is demand for new technologies that can ease, and reduce the cost of, detection of the source of leaks, both on a large and small scale. We present a device capable of visualizing the gas involved in the leaks allowing for an accessible tool in source location. Our current device can image methane leaks from ranges of up to 10m. By imaging a scene illuminated using a laser diode tuned to an absorption band of methane, followed by imaging at a similar but non-absorbed wavelength one can build a differential image of the scene and identify the presence of methane. This differential signal is then processed and assigned a false colour, in order to be overlaid upon an accompanying visible live feed. This system is adaptable and could be used to detect other gas species with modification to light source and detector. Future candidate gases would be based upon industry interest with acetylene, a common and flammable welding gas, being an example. The system is also robust enough to be drone mounted, we present data from conducted test flights. These flights demonstrate new ways in which the system can be used, such as in monitoring of difficult to access pipe geometries and for preset flight paths along expansive pipelines. This can allow for a more automated gas detection process, that is straightforward to review.

(2023) Published by SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Citation Download Citation

Angus G. MacGruer, Steven D. Johnson, Kyle J. Nutt, Miles J. Padgett, and Graham M. Gibson "Drone-based gas leak detection system for use in industry", Proc. SPIE 12795, Quantum Technology: Driving Commercialisation of an Enabling Science IV, 1279503 (30 November 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2691068

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KEYWORDS

Industry

Methane

Signal processing

Gases

Light absorption

Light sources

Pipes

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