To address the current national emergency, U.S. entities may be eligible to license select Sandia intellectual property at no cost for a limited time. Learn more.

Search/Browse Tech

Portable Gas Leak Detection System

Summary

Sandia National Laboratories has developed imaging systems for the detection, quantification and monitoring of gaseous leaks. Using the backscatter absorption gas imaging (BAGI) technique, these devices can remotely produce real-time video images of gases invisible to the human eye. This simplifies the leak-detection process and allows a broad area to be inspected with a single view.

Description

The gas leak detection devices use an infrared light source to spectroscopically probe the gas and a video camera to collect the light and produce an image. Because the scene is illuminated, the method does not require a gas-background temperature difference, as is needed for competing passive imaging approaches. Various solid-state infrared light sources and detection architectures have been developed, allowing both single-wavelength and differential imaging.
The gas imaging technology was used in a series of field tests conducted at petroleum refineries and natural gas processing facilities. The results of these tests were used by the petroleum industry to successfully petition the Environmental Protection Agency to allow gas imaging to be used as an alternative method for mandated leak detection operations. Thus, gas imaging is allowed as method that can be used by a petroleum processing facility (e.g. a refinery) to demonstrate regulatory compliance.

Benefits

  • Portable
  • Capable of discriminating leaks from a safe distance
  • Tunable over absorption band of many hydrocarbons
  • Low power consumption–can run on batteries for extended periods

Applications and Industries

  • Hazardous Gas Detection
  • Natural Gas & Petroleum
  • Transportation
  • Public Safety

Portfolio
Sensors & Detectors

To discuss licensing opportunities, fill out our Contact Form 
Downloads

<html />

Intellectual Property

Title
ID Number
Patent Number
Date
Backscatter absorption gas imaging systems and light sources therefore 8467.0 7,151,787 12/19/2006
Issued
Natural gas leak mapper 8557.0 7,375,814 05/20/2008
Issued
Pulsed laser linescanner for a backscatter absorption gas imaging system 8315.1 6,690,472 02/10/2004
Issued
Image projection lighting device displays and interactive images 7,486,339 02/03/2009
Issued
Technology IDSD#8315Development StagePrototype - Sandia estimates the TRL at approximately 6. Representative of the deliverable demonstrated in relevant environments. AvailabilityAvailable - Various licensing and partnering options are available. Please contact the Intellectual Property department to discuss.Published08/19/2013Last Updated08/19/2013