Laser Falcon
Development of the Laser Falcon
The concept for the Laser Falcon is based on Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy. The laser emits light (spectral range of 1,65 μm), which reflects back and is captured by the sensor.
The outgoing and incoming signals are compared with the built-in reference cell. If methane is present along the laser path, the laser light is partially absorbed. An algorithm calculates the gas concentration in ppm×m (parts per million multiplied by meter). The value is instantly transferred to the remote control (RC) of the drone pilot and to UgCS software.
Applications: Landfill, gas reclamation, natural gas, manufacturing plants, above/below ground pipeline corridors, detection, regulation and reporting
To operate the Laser Falcon, the maintenance department typically runs the unit, which is separate from the compliance group and is not subject to EPA audit. The Laser Falcon is able to be run daily to map active areas, which seem to be the cause of methane leaks where the membrane is broken (such as when installing new wells, new haul roads, well head opens or when machines break HDPE lines such as when law mowing).
By using the Laser Falcon, the methane levels detected are higher than accepted values to confirm by hand and correct the issues. It also allows for users to customize the amount of qualitative data collected.
“The UgCS Laser Falcon on the WISPR Ranger Pro provides qualitative georeferenced data where a location can simply be sent to field personnel to walk towards to point using Google Earth,” said Karson A. Kall, PMP, director of sales engineering, level 1 thermographer for WISPR Systems.
“Running the system can be as simple as selecting the saved mapping mission to repeat, pressing upload and swiping to start. The entire process can be totally automated. Most landfills have experience with using a drone for topographic mapping; the mission planning is the same for the Laser Falcon.”
Benefits and features:
• Easy data gathering: Select the “UgCS Methane Detector” from the WISPR Ground Control software, and default parameters are automatically loaded. Drag the polyline over the site you wish to measure. Press “Upload” and then slide your finger across to begin the mission. The drone will perform its required duties, come back, land and automatically stop its propellers.
• Simple data processing: Data processing is simple and straightforward: open the data file created on SkyHub onboard computer and you will see measurements graph, list of detected leaks and map. Export as needed and close up – you’re done processing.
• New use cases: The sky is the limit for methane; no pun intended. We’re not limited to facilities, pipelines and landfills. Methane gas is a byproduct of many vegetation decaying processes. Municipal wastewater treatment plants produce methane gas, too. And let’s not forget about the amount of methane gas generated by livestock.
• More than just numbers: Have the ability to view the spike in methane detection coupled with a numerical table showing the latitude, longitude, time and concentration.
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