Gas Leak-Detection and Measurement Systems: Prospects and Future Trends

The article presents the findings of main recent research and development works conducted for gas leak detection and measurement. Higher emphasis are considered for 2-D arrays sensors because of the wider coverage area they can handle in real-time, especially if they are carried within moving vehicles such as drones, helicopters, and satellites. This includes long-wave infrared (LWIR)- and medium-wave infrared (MWIR)-imaging systems. In spite of their success to accurately detect, localize, and even quantify leaks, under certain conditions, LWIR and MWIR imaging systems still face several challenges. This prevented them to continuously operate in all environmental conditions and within a reasonable long period of time. Thus, the article also presents other alternative technologies which can potentially complement or substitute LWIR and MWIR techniques. This includes photoacoustic, temperature profiling, and short-wave infrared (SWIR)-based techniques. The article can be a useful resource to help deciding which of these techniques can be used for a particular gas leak-detection application.