CASE STUDYMonitoring greenhouse gases
HowDOES QUANTUM-ENABLED GREENHOUSE GAS MONITORING WORK?
Quantum-enabled cameras can operate at wavelengths invisible to the human eye, such as the infrared, while their extraordinary sensitivity allows them to detect tiny changes in light caused by gases such as methane.
They do this by combining three components:
- LiDAR technology, which sends out tiny laser pulses and measures the flight time of light that bounces back to determine distance.
- Spectroscopy, which identifies substances by looking at how they interact with light.
- Quantum technology enhancement, which makes it possible to detect tiny changes in light with greater sensitivity.
So how do they work together?
Different gases absorb different wavelengths of light. Methane is no exception, as it absorbs specific wavelengths of infrared light.
The LiDAR system sends laser light at the selected wavelength, and as it travels through the air, methane absorbs some of it. The remaining light is reflected back towards the camera.
By measuring these tiny changes in the returned light, the camera can detect methane and work out where it is and how much is present.
A computer can then turn these measurements into an image, allowing us to see methane emissions and track them in real time.
Existing laser-based gas detection systems can use complex and expensive mirror configurations to direct light into a detector. Quantum-enabled cameras can detect the light directly, removing the need for these complex mirror systems. This simpler and more compact camera could provide much greater flexibility for integration into different platforms, for example drones, handheld devices or other mobile monitoring systems.
If the technology can be integrated into compact or mobile platforms such as drones, it could allow gas leaks to be detected in hazardous or difficult-to-access locations without requiring people to enter those areas.
One of the main challenges in tackling leaks from oil and gas facilities is knowing where and when they are happening, and how much methane is escaping. Real-time imaging of gas offers a key advantage over conventional detection technologies: it can dramatically reduce the time needed to locate a leak.
Quantum-enabled cameras could enable continuous monitoring of methane emissions, helping plant operators to identify hazardous gas leaks before they develop into a more serious incident, helping to reduce the risk of fires, explosions or exposure to harmful gases.
Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, and reducing its emissions is an important part of tackling climate change.
Although agriculture is the largest human source of methane emissions globally, the oil and gas industry is also a significant contributor.
By continuously monitoring facilities that produce, process and transport oil and gas, the technology can help operators find and repair leaks much faster.
By making emissions easier to spot early, quantum-enabled gas monitoring can dramatically reduce the amount of methane released into the atmosphere.
- Reduced greenhouse gases in our atmosphere
- Reduced costly losses of gas
- Safer remote gas monitoring
- Safer gas handling facilities through early detection
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RESEARCH
Researchers worldwide are driving progress in this area with UK universities and industry playing an important role through the EPSRC-funded QUSIT Hub.
