Detecting methane leaks with smart sensors that rely on light
Channel: IBM Research
Date: 2017-04-28

IBM researchers have been developing and testing a cognitive methane measurement technology that consists of an intelligent network system and tiny silicon photonics sensing chips, that when combined with machine learning and advanced physical analytics can autonomously detect the origin and quantity of methane leaks.  Methane is an important source of clean energy but managing unintended emissions will help reduce its environmental impact as well as increase the amount oil and gas producers can capture and put to market. 

IBM is working with Southwestern Energy to explore and further test this intelligent methane monitoring system, as part of the ARPA-E Methane Observation Networks with Innovative Technology to Obtain Reductions (MONITOR) program. 

For more information: http://www.research.ibm.com/5-in-5/environmental-pollutants/