Methods for gas leak detection and localization in populated areas using multi-point analysis

摘要

Improved gas leak detection from moving platforms is provided. Automatic horizontal spatial scale analysis can be performed in order to distinguish a leak from background levels of the measured gas. Source identification can be provided by using isotopic ratios and/or chemical tracers to distinguish gas leaks from other sources of the measured gas. Multi-point measurements combined with spatial analysis of the multi-point measurement results can provide leak source distance estimates. These methods can be practiced individually or in any combination.

主权项

1. A method of gas leak detection and localization, the method comprising:
performing one or more primary gas concentration measurements from a moving platform that proceeds along at least one platform track disposed in proximity to one or more potential gas leak locations; wherein the primary gas concentration measurements are performed at two or more measurement points on the moving platform as it proceeds along the at least one platform track, wherein the measurement points are transversely separated from each other with respect to the platform track; performing an automatic spatial scale analysis of the primary gas concentration measurements; automatically determining whether or not a gas leak is present at the potential gas leak locations based on the primary gas concentration measurements and the automatic spatial scale analysis; wherein the automatic spatial scale analysis includes providing an estimated distance between a platform measurement position and a leak source using the primary gas concentration measurements, based on spatial analysis of results from the measurement points when the platform is at the platform measurement position; and providing a leak indication at the potential gas leak locations to an end user and providing the estimated distance to the end user; wherein the primary gas concentration measurements are measurements of local gas concentration at the measurement points.