A He-Ne Laser-Based Field-Device For Oil And Gas Prospecting

K. J. Jordan; E. R. Menzel

doi:10.1117/12.939672

6 April 1987 A He-Ne Laser-Based Field-Device For Oil And Gas Prospecting

K. J. Jordan, E. R. Menzel

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 0737, New Developments and Applications in Gas Lasers; (1987) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.939672
Event: OE LASE'87 and EO Imaging Symposium, 1987, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

Atmospheric methane surveys may outline prospective oil and natural gas reservoirs. Methane sensing can also be applied to detect gas leakage of pipelines or landfills. We describe a field-device capable of measuring small changes in methane concentration in the near-surface atmosphere for such surveys. The detection of methane uses the attenuation of the 3.3922 μm He-Ne laser line in a pressurized flow cell through which air circulates at a regulated pressure of about 3 atmospheres. A second He-Ne laser line at 3.3912 μm, which is only weakly absorbed by methane, is used as a reference for ratio recording to compensate for laser intensity fluctuations and scattering by water or dust. The device is operated from a moving vehicle. Thus, sampling is continuous, i.e., large areas can rapidly be surveyed. Field tests showed the device to be rugged enough to withstand the rigors of off-road travel as well as summer heat.

Citation Download Citation

K. J. Jordan and E. R. Menzel "A He-Ne Laser-Based Field-Device For Oil And Gas Prospecting", Proc. SPIE 0737, New Developments and Applications in Gas Lasers, (6 April 1987); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.939672

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