Detection of Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from Energy Distribution Network Leaks by Bistatic LIDAR

Energy distribution networks are subject to various problems resulting in uncontrolled environmental releases or leaks. These leaks are of particular concerns due to the hazardous nature of the transported commodity. Consequently, a significant research interest lies in the design of effective leak detection technologies. Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) systems are very promising as they enable remote detection at considerable distances. This paper presents an innovative LIDAR measurement system capable of detecting leaks from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). The transmitter consists of a tuneable laser source mounted on the UAV and the receiver consists of a calibrated reflector and a passive imaging system mounted on an unmanned ground vehicle. This bistatic layout allows for a significant increase in range. The system employs an open-path Differential Absorption LIDAR (DIAL) measurement technique for selected molecular species. The proposed bistatic LIDAR system offers notable advantages compared to monostatic DIAL and in situ leak detection systems based on extraction sampling technology.