Wireless sensor networks for fugitive methane emissions monitoring in oil and gas industry

Abstract

Remote areas monitoring can leverage the versatility of wireless sensor networks with integrated power harvesting and localization capabilities. We present a sensor platform that collects chemical and environmental data and combines it with a cloud based analytics to localize fugitive methane leaks and to quantify the emission of chemical plumes. The platform combine a wireless methane sensor network and wind sensor to continuously monitor the environment and track how methane leaks are developing. Real world testing of the technology indicate leak localization performance better than 1 meter based on sensor data collected for less than 1 hour. The sensor platform can minimizing oil and gas production loss, enable continuous monitoring of the equipment, and identify hazardous working conditions for operators.