Localization of methane distributions by spectrally tuned infrared imaging

Werner Gross; Thomas Hierl; H. Scheuerpflug; U. Schirl; Oliver Schreer; Max J. Schulz

doi:10.1117/12.336861

18 January 1999 Localization of methane distributions by spectrally tuned infrared imaging

Werner Gross, Thomas Hierl, H. Scheuerpflug, U. Schirl, Oliver Schreer, Max J. Schulz

Proceedings Volume 3533, Air Monitoring and Detection of Chemical and Biological Agents; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.336861
Event: Photonics East (ISAM, VVDC, IEMB), 1998, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

We present a novel method, the Gas Imaging (GIm) method, developed for the localization of gas distributions in the atmosphere. The method is suitable for the detection of a gases which exhibit at least one absorption line in the IR spectral range. In this paper the GIm method is demonstrated for methane released into the atmosphere from leaks along natural gas pipelines. Methane distributions in the atmosphere around the leaky pipeline are detected and visualized by spectrally tuned IR imaging. In contrast to conventional techniques which utilize laser radiation sources or scanning, we irradiate the overall region under investigation by 1 kW halogen lamps. The scene background is subtracted by a real-time computer evaluation of the image. The methane gas emitted from the leak creates a flickering cloud in the image which is easily recognized. Methane concentrations as low as 0.03 percent by volume are visible. The method was successfully tested under realistic conditions on a buried pipeline by a natural gas provider.

Citation Download Citation

Werner Gross, Thomas Hierl, H. Scheuerpflug, U. Schirl, Oliver Schreer, and Max J. Schulz "Localization of methane distributions by spectrally tuned infrared imaging", Proc. SPIE 3533, Air Monitoring and Detection of Chemical and Biological Agents, (18 January 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.336861

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