Methane

The Falcon Plus Methane laser is a leading detection system of Pergam-Suisse, a manufacturer, distributor and service provider of world-leading gas leak detection systems, and SPH Engineering, the world’s premier provider of mission planning software and drone-integrated systems. This UAV methane detection solution provides fast oversight for better decision-making as to reduce methane release.

The solution can reliably detect 500 ppm from at least 40 m, which meets the EUMR 2024/1787 Type 2 LDAR above-ground inspection criteria, and can reliably detect 1000 ppm from at least 60 m, which meets the EUMR 2024/1787 Type 2 LDAR underground inspection criteria.

• Detection Range: Reliable methane detection from distances of 10 to 80 metres
• Response time: 25 ms
• Maximum survey speed: 30 m/s or 108 km/h or 67 mph (mainly limited by drone speed)
• Minimal detectable flow rate: 1 g/h (approx. 500 ppm)
• Sensitivity: 0.100,000 ppm x m. Identifies methane presence effectively, facilitating rapid leak localisation
• Dimensions: 130x98x98 mm
• Weight: 360 g
• Self-Calibrating System: Integrated reference gas cell ensures consistent, accurate performance and minimal maintenance.
• Laser Safety Class:
  Methane detection laser: A Class 1 infrared laser ensures safe operations compliant with international safety standards.
  Green pointer laser: Class 3R ensures high point visibility from long distances (keep away from human eyes)
• Real-Time Data: Yes
• Data recording with georeferencing: Yes
• RTK georeferencing: Yes

This system is integrated with the UgCS SkyHub onboard computer, where the recorded data is fused with telemetry to create the downloadable files for processing. See here to learn more about SkyHub.

The Flux Aero is a sniffer system that can be configured to suit applications. It is very sensitive and covers a wide range of target gases, such as methane (CH₄), ammonia (NH₃), hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), nitrous oxide (N₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).

• Detects Methane (CH₄), Ammonia (NH₃), Hydrogen Sulphide (H₂S), Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) and Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
• Lightweight (<1.5 kg payload with SkyHub Configuration)
• Sub-ppm detection limits
• Real-time data sent to ground station
• Exports methane intensity maps to KML, GeoJSON, or Shape formats
• The onboard computer, UgCS SkyHub, transfers the Falcon’s data instantly to the remote control (RC) of the drone and to UgCS software.

The ALMA Mini Gimbal laser is small and light enough to fly economically on DJI (M300RTK, M350Rtk) and other utility UAVs. It is a laser with a narrow field of view and high sensitivity for detecting smaller leaks. This system fully meets the requirements set out by the EPA for use with inspection for upstream and downstream assets.

• Sensitivity: 5 ppm x m at 30 m AGL
• Max Practical Range: 150m
• Can come with an optional OGI camera
• Payload weight: 2 kg

At only 1.8 kg, the LMF G2 is flown on both the M300RTK/M350RTK and other non-DJI UAV platforms. The LMF G2 comes with an onboard full HD video camera (1920 x 1080). Its sensor takes readings every 10th of a second and is only responsive to methane, meaning zero false flags. Remote detection can be made from distances of up to 100 metres by measuring absorption of the laser by the methane along an optical path to any ground-based target.

• Sensitivity: 10 ppm x m at 30 m AGL
• Max Practical Range: 100m
• Automatic calibration
• Payload weight: 1.8 kg