Main Benefits
Outperforms foot search by 5x times
Detected leaks are referenced to GPS coordinates (high fidelity RTK GPS is also supported)
Applicable at unsafe and hazardous environments without compromising the safety of staff or equipment
Fully automated and repeatable surveys
The laser methane detector Falcon is sensitive only to methane, so no false readings of other gases are possible
Fully automated reporting
How it works
» Mount the methane-leak-detection kit onto the drone
» Plan survey mission with UgCS
» Receive data during flight
» Generate a report with location of detected methane leaks
The system consists of the drone integrated with methane detector Laser Falcon by PERGAM. The full integration is ensured by adding the onboard computer UgCS SkyHub to the system.
DJI M300, M210/M210 v2 and M600/M600 Pro
Data logging is started automatically and geotagged with GPS coordinates from the autopilot
Data-sheet
User Manual
Key features
Detection limits are from 1 to 50.000 ppm×m within 20m distance, speed: 0.1 second
Data transmission is enabled withing 5km distance
Flight time up to 25 minutes covering 5x larger area than by foot
3D maps of UgCS allow planning flight missions in terrain-following mode. Adding UgCS SkyHub and an altimeter to the system will enable flying in True Terrain Following mode.
UgCS SkyHub Data-sheet & User Manual
The Integrated System
LASER FALCON - THE SMALLEST DETECTOR FOR UAV INTEGRATION
Laser Falcon is sensitive only to methane, so no false readings of other gases are possible. It is a class 3R eye-safe laser.
The concept is based on Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy. The laser emits light (spectral range of 1,65 μm), which reflects back and is captured by the sensor. The outgoing and incoming signals are compared with the built-in reference cell. If methane is present along the laser path, the laser light is partially absorbed. An algorithm calculates the gas concentration in ppm×m (parts per million multiplied by meter). The value is instantly transferred to the remote control (RC) of the drone pilot and to UgCS software.
Currently, the drone integrated system is compatible with two models of sensors provided by PERGAM :
- Falcon
- LMC DL.
UgCS SkyHub
The onboard computer UgCS SkyHub is the key element that enables the full integration of the drone, laser methane detector, and ground control software UgCS. The UgCS SkyHub, designed by SPH Engineering, saves the gas detector's data in .csv format and transfers it instantly to the drone pilot's remote control and the desktop software UgCS. This way, the operator detects leaks in real-time and ensures faster response time.
The UgCS SkyHub also enables adding a radar altimeter to allow the flight in True Terrain Following mode: the drone (UAV) accurately follows the terrain during the flight, based on data received from the radar altimeter. True Terrain Following makes the drone fly at constant AGL altitude without importing a precise Digital Elevation Model (DEM) height-map into UgCS.
Supported drones
UgCS SkyHub is compatible with DJI M300, M210 / M210 v2 and off-the-shelf or custom-built UAV based on DJI A3 flight controller, i.e., DJI M600 / M600 Pro.
DJI M600 offers extended flight time and a 5-kilometer-long range of data transmission.
Watch DJI M210 and M600 with Falcon in action »»»
DJI M300, the most recent addition to the list of the drones compatible with UgCS SkyHub, boasts better endurance, greater take-off weight, and increased safety while still being compact and portable. New carefully designed mountings for UgCS SkyHub and Falcon allow to use cameras like DJI H20 and H20T with the methane detector.
UgCS
Smooth operation is ensured by UgCS software, developed by SPH Engineering in Riga, Latvia. Besides supporting most industrial drones on the market, it offers several productivity-enhancing innovations: automatic Photogrammetry, Vertical (Facade) scan, Corridor mapping and Search pattern tools.
Most importantly for methane detection, UgCS software allows for the drone to be flown at a constant height, even over rough and mountainous areas, as its 3D maps and terrain-following model can cope with any kind of landscape. UgCS's drone mission planning software also provides tools for the easy creation and calculation of flight paths, and for the interpretation of acquired data in a user-friendly manner.
Applications
Drone-based remote methane detection system is designed for:
- Dairy industry
- Landfill industry
- Air quality compliance by Environmental Consulting Firms
- Leak Detection and Repair Service Companies
- Drone service providers
- Oil and gas suppliers
Watch the webinar to learn more in detail about the setup of the UAV-integrated system, why the drone-based methane detection system performs better, and how to plan the flights with UgCS.
Sample Reports
Sample report Digester Doc
Digester Doc is an anaerobic digester company. Pergam Technical Services performed a drone-based airborne methane inspection at one of Digester Doc’s digesters. The Pergam LF - DL methane detection system was mounted on DJI M600 Pro. The integration with the drone was ensured by adding the onboard computer - UgCS SkyHub which logged the data and transferred it to the desktop UgCS software in real-time. The inspection covered approximately 1 digester located in Jerome Idaho, USA.
Sample Report Stable Matrix
StableMATRIX is a water and soil remediation company. Pergam Technical Services performed an airborne methane inspection at one of StableMATRIX remediation lagoons. The Pergam methane detection system was mounted on DJI M600 Pro. The integration with the drone was enabled by UgCS SkyHub. Gas detection data was logged and transferred in real-time to the UgCS desktop software. The inspection covered approximately 2 lagoons located in Jerome Idaho, USA.
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