Hub and spoke system for detecting and locating gas leaks
Inventors
Rieker, Gregory B • Coddington, Ian • Newbury, Nathan R • Prasad, Kuldeep • Karion, Anna
Assignees
University of Colorado Denver • United States Department of Commerce
Publication Number
US-10228490-B2
Publication Date
2019-03-12
Expiration Date
2036-05-11
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Abstract
A system for detecting gas leaks and determining their location and size. A data gathering portion of the system utilizes a hub and spoke configuration to collect path-integrated spectroscopic data over multiple open paths around an area. A processing portion of the system applies a high resolution transport model together with meteorological data of the area to generate an influence function of possible leak locations on gas detector measurement paths, and applies an inversion model to the influence function and the spectroscopic data to generate gas source size and location.
Core Innovation
The invention provides apparatus and methods for detecting gas leaks capable of sensitivity, accuracy, calibration-free operation, and multi-species detection over kilometer-scale open paths. It utilizes a hub and spoke configuration where a spectrometer gas detector collects path-integrated spectroscopic data over multiple open paths around an area to detect and determine the location and size of gas leaks.
This system applies a high resolution transport model together with meteorological data to generate an influence function representing possible leak locations on measurement paths. An inversion model is then applied to this influence function and the spectroscopic data to generate the gas source size and location, thereby enabling accurate leak quantification and localization.
The background problem addressed by this invention is the limitations of current open-path methane detection technologies, including diode laser-based absorption systems, LIDAR systems, and FTIR-based systems, which suffer from low wavelength resolution, turbulence-induced fluctuations, spectral interferences, and the lack of simultaneous multi-species measurements. Existing approaches either require frequent calibration, multiple expensive sensors, or operator involvement, and generally lack the capability for sensitive, accurate, and calibration-free detection over large areas at kilometer-scale standoff distances.
Claims Coverage
The patent discloses three independent claims covering methods, apparatus, and means for determining gas source location and size using spectroscopic data, transport models, and inversion techniques.
Method for determining gas source location and size
Collecting path-integrated spectroscopic data over multiple open paths using a spectrometer gas detector; applying a high resolution transport model with meteorological data to generate an influence function of potential source locations; and determining gas source size and location by applying an inversion model to the influence function and spectroscopic data.
Apparatus for determining gas source location and size
A spectrometer unit with beam transmission and detection capabilities configured to scan an area and collect path-integrated spectroscopic data; multiple reflection points within the area for reflecting transmitted beams back to the detector; a source of meteorological data; and a processor that applies a high resolution transport model and inversion model to the collected data to calculate the location and size of the gas source.
Means for detecting gas source characteristics
Means for collecting path-integrated spectroscopic data over multiple open paths; means for collecting meteorological data; means for applying a high resolution transport model with meteorological data to generate an influence function; and means for applying an inversion model to the influence function and spectroscopic data to estimate gas source size and location.
These independent claims collectively cover a comprehensive approach comprising data collection by spectroscopic detection, computational application of high resolution transport and inversion modeling with meteorological inputs, and hardware embodiments including combinations of spectrometers, reflectors, and processors to detect, locate, and size gas leaks with improved accuracy, sensitivity, and calibration-free operation.
Stated Advantages
Enables accurate correction of baseline laser intensity and simultaneous measurement of multiple gas species (CH4, 13CH4, H2O, ethane, propane), temperature, and pressure.
Reports interference-free, true dry-air mole fractions accounting for variable water vapor dilution, providing calibration-free, drift-free measurements with near perfect wavelength accuracy.
Requires no operator involvement and can interrogate multiple locations simultaneously, enabling flexibility and reduced operational complexity.
Achieves low measurement uncertainty with 1 ppb sensitivity over kilometer-scale open air paths, allowing detection of small leaks over a range of heights and downwind distances.
Utilizes fiber optic compatibility to monitor multiple locations from a single spectrometer, potentially reducing system cost and complexity.
Documented Applications
Detection and location of methane leaks around oil and gas wells over kilometer-scale distances.
Monitoring perimeter of large facilities using multiple path measurements serviced by a single spectrometer.
Locating and determining flux of any gas source including chemical leaks in industrial facilities and CO2 leaks at carbon sequestration sites.
Estimating emissions from industrial sites, agricultural sites, animal-raising operations, or chemical and biological weapons releases.
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