Evaluation of a New Aerial Leak Survey Approach. Final Report, April 1995-July1996

摘要

The primary goal of this project was to assess and quantify as much as possiblethe feasibility of an airborne line-scanner (ALS) transmission pipeline leakage plume detection system capable of real-time location of 8-80 cu cm/sec (1-10 scfh) leak rates, from an altitude of 300 m, and at an airspeed of 170 KPH (100 MPH). The two primary problem areas to be addressed were detection range limitations, and the availability of adequate laser power at both the signal and reference wavelengths. Critical experiments were designed and conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of using continuous-wave (CW) lasers and a linear array of IR detectors to cross-wise scan the ROW at the desired (CW) altitude and flight speed. An investigation of current continuous wave laser technology indicates that there are several laser systems with adequate power in the methane absorption region that could be used with the ALS design.