Fast sensor

About

Background: Stanford researchers at the Hanson Lab have developed a fast, accurate single laser-based sensing strategy which provides instantaneous measurement of methane, ethane and propane in the air. This strategy uses wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) which results in higher signal to noise ratio (SNR). No baseline information is required and noise outside the frequency range of the WMS filter is rejected. Also, the multiple harmonic normalization technique cancels noise.  Proof-of-concept has been demonstrated at the high temperature gas dynamics laboratory and in the field. This strategy can handle cross-species interference significantly better than any existing detection methods on the market. There are currently no simultaneous, fast, portable sensors for methane, ethane and propane for the atmosphere on the market. Current sensors are large, very slow, expensive, often unreliable, and needs frequent calibration. Stage of Research : Experimental validation of sensor Test cases: Porter ranch There is experimental test data from test cell, may work on a more featured prototype Applications: Natural gas leak inspection in wells and oil and gas distribution networks Accurately finding propane leaks Measurement of species, such as nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide, and ammonia, in gas turbine exhaust Advantages: Real-time and rapid detection of trace amounts of methane, ethane and propane Multi-species sensor - can measure species concentration in a gas stream simultaneously High SNR – no baseline information is required and multiple harmonic normalization technique cancels noise Portable and field deployable Novel – no simultaneous fast, sensitive fast sensors for methane, ethane and propane for the atmosphere in the market