Hyperspectral cameras see methane gas leaks from the sky-even before sensors detect them

摘要

It is now possible to detect gas leaks from the air using a special hyperspectral video camera, according to Robert Kester, cofounder and chief technology officer of Houston-based Rebellion Photonics, which created the technology to spot leaks. The camera can immediately find leaks in oilfields and refineries, and even determine the type of gas emitted. That includes methane, a powerful greenhouse gas with 25 times the climate-warming potential as carbon dioxide. "Reducing emissions is extremely important," said Kester. "Methane is a very potent greenhouse gas. However, it is also a valuable resource for energy production and feedstock for chemicals, plastics, etc., so it's not good business to waste it."