Open-path cavity ring-down methane sensor for mobile monitoring of natural gas emissions

We present the design, development, and testing results of a novel laser-based cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) sensor for methane detection. The sensor is specifically oriented for mobile (i.e. vehicle deployed) monitoring of natural gas emissions from oil and infrastructure. In contrast to most commercial CRDS sensors, we employ an open-path design which allows higher temporal response and a lower power and mass package more suited to vehicle integration. The system operates in the near-infrared (NIR) at 1651 nm with primarily telecom components and includes cellular communication for wireless data transfer. Along with basic sensor design and lab testing, we present results of field measurements showing performance over a range of ambient conditions and examples of methane plume detection.