• English
  • Deutsch
  • Log In
    Password Login
    Research Outputs
    Fundings & Projects
    Researchers
    Institutes
    Statistics
Repository logo
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
  1. Home
  2. Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
  3. Artikel
  4. Gas leak detection by dilution of atmospheric oxygen
 
  • Details
  • Full
Options
2017
Journal Article
Title

Gas leak detection by dilution of atmospheric oxygen

Abstract
Gas leak detection is an important issue in infrastructure monitoring and industrial production. In this context, infrared (IR) absorption spectroscopy is a major measurement method. It can be applied in an extractive or remote detection scheme. Tunable laser spectroscopy (TLS) instruments are able to detect CH4 leaks with column densities below 10 ppm·m from a distance of 30 m in less than a second. However, leak detection of non-IR absorbing gases such as N2 is not possible in this manner. Due to the fact that any leaking gas displaces or dilutes the surrounding background gas, an indirect detection is still possible. It is shown by sensitive TLS measurements of the ambient background concentration of O2 that N2 leaks can be localized with extractive and standoff methods for distances below 1 m. Minimum leak rates of 0.1 mbar·L/s were determined. Flow simulations confirm that the leakage gas typically effuses in a narrow jet. The sensitivity is mainly determined by ambient flow conditions. Compared to TLS detection of CH4 at 1651 nm, the indirect method using O2 at 761 nm is experimentally found to be less sensitive by a factor of 100. However, the well-established TLS of O2 may become a universal tool for rapid leakage screening of vessels that contain unknown or inexpensive gases, such as N2.
Author(s)
Lambrecht, Armin  
Fraunhofer-Institut für Physikalische Messtechnik IPM  
Maier, Eric  
Fraunhofer-Institut für Physikalische Messtechnik IPM  
Pernau, Hans-Fridtjof  
Fraunhofer-Institut für Physikalische Messtechnik IPM  
Strahl, Thomas  
Fraunhofer-Institut für Physikalische Messtechnik IPM  
Herbst, Johannes  
Fraunhofer-Institut für Physikalische Messtechnik IPM  
Journal
Sensors. Online journal  
Open Access
Link
Link
DOI
10.3390/s17122804
Language
English
Fraunhofer-Institut für Physikalische Messtechnik IPM  
Keyword(s)
  • gas sensor

  • leak detection

  • tunable laser spectroscopy

  • infrared absorption

  • oxygen

  • nitrogen

  • methane

  • Cookie settings
  • Imprint
  • Privacy policy
  • Api
  • Contact
© 2024