US scientists develop mid-infrared dual-frequency comb laser spectrometer to monitor gas leakage

[ China Instrument Network Instrument R&D ] With the changes in global energy consumption structure, natural gas as a clean, low-carbon energy source has been promoted and used by more and more countries.

However, with the gradual aging of natural gas pipelines and equipment, natural gas leakage has become a major issue in the energy industry. Once natural gas leaks, it not only wastes natural gas but also poses a serious threat to safety, public health and air quality.

Therefore, the timely and accurate detection of natural gas leaks, the specific location of leaks and leaks, and the prevention of potential safety hazards are very important.

Although several natural gas leakage monitoring technologies have emerged, they are all flawed. One is a dedicated camera that can only sense methane in a short distance. This monitoring process is labor-intensive and does not fully reflect the large-scale leakage of methane; the other is the display of kilometers through aerial or satellite images. In the case of multiple large-scale leaks in the range, details of the leak cannot be displayed.

Recently, an independent research team in Boulder, Colorado, announced two new technologies that use laser frequency combs to detect natural gas leaks. This technology not only provides real-time gas concentration sensitivity but also determines the location of the leak.

It is reported that the ultimate goal of the team is to establish a monitoring system in which multiple laser sources can be strategically deployed around a natural gas production site. All laser sources point to mid-infrared spectrometers in the center of the site. When the system's detection data is combined with the atmospheric model, a real-time gas concentration sensitivity index can be provided based on the dual-frequency comb-like absorption spectrum generated when the leaked gas passes through the beam path. At the same time, the location of the leak can be determined based on the distribution characteristics of the system.

The rapid development of the global natural gas industry has also further promoted the development of the natural gas leakage monitoring market. According to relevant data, the global oil and gas leak detection market is expected to reach US$3.38 billion in 2022, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.9% during 2016-2022.

With the development of the natural gas leakage monitoring market, the development of natural gas leakage monitoring technology will be further promoted to safeguard the safe operation of the natural gas industry.

(Source: MEMS, Mams Consulting, Baidu Library)