Switzerland firm unveils first methane sensor for UAVs

Switzerland-based Pergam Technical Services Inc. has released the first sensor for unmanned aircraft vehicles designed to detect and measure methane gas sensor. The methane sensor is based on a handheld detector commonly used in the industry. The system has been altered with an eye-safe laser and a filter in the bandwidth where methane has a high absorptions along with an algorithm that measures the gas emissions in parts per million, according to Pergam. Along with the sensor, an onboard data grabber records the flight path and the gas concentrations levels. Data from the flight is available immediately upon landing.

The system can be used for line, tank and asset inspections along with landfill emission monitoring and surveys in difficult to access areas that typically require scaffolding. “The booming LNG and the shale gas industries are other markets with huge opportunities for leak detection services with the sensor,” the company said.

The sensor weighs 600 grams and the battery on the company’s predesigned drone allows for flight times of five hours. The sensor can be installed on independent operating systems as well.
International research institutes have tested the system, the company added. The first orders will be delivered at the end of this month, and, a limited number of loaner units are available for test and integration purposes.

Pergam has U.S. offices in Seattle.

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