Optical Monitor for Gas Leaks

To get to net zero, we need to mitigate emissions of gases that are potentially hazardous, by improving the technology used to detect gas leaks.

Gases of interest include methane, a strong greenhouse gas, ammonia, proposed for energy storage and transport as part of the hydrogen economy, and others.

To enable safety and minimise environmental emissions, a new generation of gas leak detectors is needed to support this change.

This project concerns the development of a prototype optical gas detector for use in "standoff" mode, allowing operators to detect gas leaks from a distance. This technology has the benefit of high sensitivity and specificity to individual gases.

The project will involve development of the sensor, incorporating a new generation of high-performance components such as ultra-low-noise photodetectors, performance characterisation and optimisation, and potentially field testing.

Opportunities to apply this technology to other gases will also be explored, especially for applications in marine transportation.