GasFinder AB

 

Many of the world’s major natural gas transmission pipelines cross undeveloped and sparsely populated land. Natural vegetation quickly grows back after a pipeline has been laid, making it practically impossible to implement ground based survey programs to detect leaks. However, there are critical safety and economic reasons that such pipelines be surveyed on a routine basis to identify and repair leaks.

Leaking natural gas can cause explosions leading to loss of life and property. Loss of product through undetected leaks dramatically reduces a pipeline operator’s profitability. In some parts of the world, it is estimated that such losses exceed 15%. Fortunately, Boreal Laser’s GasFinder AB system makes it possible to routinely and inexpensively survey pipelines for leaks. Mounted in either a fixed-wing or helicopter aircraft, GasFinder AB can immediately detect the presence of elevated levels of methane in the air above a pipeline. GasFinder AB was developed to be used within normal visual inspection flight parameters. Sampling 3 times per second, measurements are updated for every 10m of ground covered. Unlike other optical methods which can be confused by other gases present in air, the laser technology in GasFinder AB responds only to methane. With over 5 years of experience, and thousands of kilometers of pipeline surveyed, Boreal’s GasFinder has detected many pipeline leaks that would not otherwise have been detected.

A GPS system provides spatial coordinates to the data-logging PC once a second, which enables CH4 data to be mapped along the flight profile.

 

How the Airborne CH4 GasFinder works:

The GasFinder AB system comprises a GasFinder FC CH4 gas analyzer, and external airborne probe, and some accessories. The GasFinder FC houses a laser diode, drive electronics, and micro-computer subsystems. Fiber-optic cable carries the laser light to the external probe (see photo ). The laser light makes four passes through this probe and is focused on a photo-detector. The resulting photo current is returned to the GasFinder FC control unit via coaxial cable for analysis.

A portion of the laser beam is passed through a stable built-in reference cell inside the GasFinder FC to provide a continuous calibration update. The measure and reference signals are compared to determine the actual concentration of gas in the probe. This value can be viewed on a display unit and is transferred via serial interface to a data logging PC. The serial data signal also includes comprehensive system diagnostics.

• CH4 specific – no interferences

• 3 readings per second.

• Robust, reliable, proven technology

• Self-calibrating—no calibration needed

• Easy installation, set-up and use.

• No consumables and no maintenance

Built-in data-logger and self diagnostics

 

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