Dec 11 2013
Los Gatos Research (LGR), a member of the ABB Group, the leader in precision trace gas analyzers, announced a unique Natural Gas Leak Detection (NGLD) system at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting in San Francisco.
This new comprehensive, easy-to-use and economical system quantifies natural gas leaks and directly maps data to Google Earth continuously. The system combines LGR's Ultraportable CH4/CO2/H2O and CH4/H2O analyzers with standard anemometers for wind velocity and GPS detectors for geographical coordinates. Along with simple-to-use, open source mapping software, the system provides measurements with unsurpassed accuracy and rapid response time.
The system's wide dynamic range allows users to measure CH4, CO2 and H2O even if concentrations are far higher than typical ambient levels. For example it can detect up to 10% methane without compromising sensitivity at ultra-low levels. Unlike competitive analyzers, which are delicate and require a lengthy warm-up time to thermo-mechanically stabilize, LGR's system allows users to collect data as soon as the instrument starts.
The license-free software enables users to simply and directly upload the measured concentrations and system parameters in real time to their own servers and to map the results directly to Google Earth. As a result, users have full control of their data at all times and can visualize the results in real time anywhere for immediate safety and compliance monitoring. The system operates on a Windows-based laptop computer.
The Ultraportable analyzer is small, lightweight, and rugged, requiring little power.
It takes advantage of LGR's patented technology, a fourth-generation, cavity-enhanced laser absorption spectroscopy technique. This proprietary approach results in a more rugged and precise gas analyzer. Unlike instruments based on first-generation techniques like cavity ringdown spectroscopy, these analyzers do not need ultra-precise alignment, sub-nanometer stability of their optics, or a high degree of thermal control. This ensures higher absolute accuracy as well as higher reliability. They may be locally controlled using a smartphone or tablet, remotely operated via the Internet, and maintained and cleaned by users with minimal training.
Background on LGR
Los Gatos Research adds innovative analytical measurement and enhanced laser capabilities to expand ABB's measurement products and services in oil and gas, electric power and other industrial sectors. LGR brings a new line of high-performance gas analyzers to ABB's leading measurement products business. The company provides analyzers and services to a wide range of customers (on all seven continents) who need real-time measurement of trace gases and isotopes for research, environmental monitoring and industrial process measurements. Its novel and innovative laser-based measurement strategies allow for non-destructive analysis of gases and liquids continuously and in real time.
Background on ABB Measurement Products - ABB's Measurement Products business unit is among the world's leading manufacturers and suppliers of instrumentation and analyzers. With thousands of experts around the world and high-performance technology, ABB's team is dedicated to making measurement easy for its customers.
Background on ABB - ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 150,000 people.