Drone Methane Detection

For years, methane detection has relied on a variety of traditional methods. Fixed-location sensors, ground-based infrared cameras, and manual monitoring have all played their part in tracking methane leaks. However, these conventional approaches often involve time-consuming, labour-intensive procedures, requiring workers to manually deploy equipment in potentially hazardous areas. While effective to some extent, they can result in delayed leak detection, increasing the risk of environmental damage and posing health risks.

Drone-based methane detection works by integrating gas-sensing  technology with UAV platforms allowing for efficient, real-time identification and localization of methane leaks from the air. These systems typically use laser-based methods, such as Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) to detect methane concentrations with high sensitivity, from distances up to 100 meters or more.

As the drone flies over pipelines, waste sites, or other areas prone to leaks, the sensor continuously monitors methane levels, providing instant data on gas concentration in parts per million-meter (ppm.m). This data is transmitted in real-time to the drone operator, who can view methane concentrations, visualize the leak location via onboard cameras, and adjust the drone’s position to focus on specific areas of concern.

These systems offer several advantages including quick response time, ability to detect small gas concentrations, and the capability to operate in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas without putting personnel at risk. Additionally, the integration of GPS technology allows for precise mapping of leaks and automated reporting, making it easier to track and document findings for future action or compliance. Automated workflows enable flight planning, monitoring, and reporting, streamlining operations for industries such as natural gas pipeline inspections, landfill monitoring, and plant safety audits.

Watch the webinar on methane detection, presented by Alexey Dobrovolskiy, CEO of SPH Engineering, and Alexei Yankelevich, R&D Director at SPH Engineering. Gain valuable insights as they discuss the cutting-edge use of drones in methane leak detection and how this technology is transforming the industry.

Using drones for methane detection offers several key benefits, particularly for industries like oil and gas, agriculture, and waste management:

• Increased Safety: Drones allow for methane detection in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas, such as pipelines, refineries, or landfills, without putting workers at risk. By flying over dangerous sites, drones minimize the need for personnel to enter potentially dangerous environments.

• Improved Efficiency: Drones can cover large areas much faster than traditional methods, such as manual ground inspections, saving time and reducing labor costs. This efficiency is especially valuable for monitoring long pipelines or expansive landfills.

• Real-Time Data Collection: Equipped with advanced sensors, drones provide instant, accurate methane concentration readings. This allows operators to detect and locate leaks in real-time, enabling quicker responses to mitigate risks or repair issues.

• High Sensitivity and Precision: Drone-mounted methane detectors offer high sensitivity, capable of detecting even small gas concentrations from a distance. This ensures that minor leaks can be detected early, preventing costly and potentially dangerous incidents.

• Automated Reporting: Many drone methane detection systems integrate with software to automate flight planning, data collection, and reporting. GPS-based data allows for precise mapping of methane leaks, making it easier to generate detailed inspection reports with the exact location of detected leaks.

• Cost-Effective: By reducing the need for manual inspections, scaffolding, or aerial manned flights, drones offer a more cost-effective solution for methane detection. The automation and speed also reduce downtime, further enhancing cost savings.

• Flexibility: Drones can be deployed quickly and adapted to various environments, from industrial plants and natural gas facilities to remote agricultural fields, providing versatility across different use cases.