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Abstract: Standoff gas leak detectors based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy
M.B. Frish, R.T. Wainner, B.D. Green, M.C. Laderer, M.G. Allen,
"Standoff gas leak detectors based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy
,"
presented at SPIE Optics East
(Boston, MA)
,
(23-26 October2005).
Copyright © 2005 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.
This paper was published in SPIE Optics East,
and is made available as an electronic reprint (preprint)
with permission of SPIE. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic or multiple
reproduction, distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means, duplication of any material in this
paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper are prohibited.
Abstract
Trace gas sensing and analysis by Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) has become a robust and
reliable technology accepted for industrial process monitoring and control, quality assurance, environmental sensing, plant safety, and infrastructure security. Sensors incorporating well-packaged wavelength-stabilized near-infrared (1.2 to 2.0 µm) laser sources sense over a dozen toxic or industrially-important gases. A large emerging application for TDLAS is standoff sensing of gas leaks, e.g. from natural gas pipelines. The Remote Methane Leak Detector (RMLD), a handheld standoff TDLAS leak survey tool that we developed, is replacing traditional leak detection tools that must be physically immersed within a leak to detect it. Employing a 10 mW 1.6 micron DFB laser, the RMLD illuminates a non-cooperative topographic surface, up to 30 m distant, and analyzes returned scattered light to deduce the presence of excess methane. The eye-safe, battery-powered, 6-pound handheld RMLD enhances walking pipeline survey rates by more than 30%. When combined with a spinning or rastering mirror, the RMLD serves as a platform for mobile leak mapping systems. Also, to enable high-altitude surveying and provide aerial disaster response, we are extending the standoff range to 3000 m by adding an EDFA to the laser transmitter.
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