Testing the Falcon methane sensor with the National Physical Laboratory

The challenge

To manage methane emissions, operators need airborne detection they can trust. BST wanted to confirm what the Falcon tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) sensor can and cannot detect, and to build a safe, accurate way of flying it. That meant matching the technology with clear procedures and writing a Concept of Operation and Employment.

The solution

BST worked with NPL through the M4B programme. The trials used the SPH Engineering methane detection system, which included:

• UgCS mission planning and flight automation software;
• the Custom Payload Manager (CPM);
• terrain following;
• obstacle avoidance radars, as part of SPH Engineering's M300 inspection suite.

Because sortie profiles could be run through flight simulation, BST and NPL completed extensive ground-based testing before flying in the field.

The results

• The trials established the Falcon sensor's detection thresholds, a step needed before validating airborne methods in the field.
• The BST and M4B data sets gave an impartial assessment of the Falcon TDLAS and confirmed it as a valid methane detection device within a wider methane management strategy.
• Capabilities of the sensor that were previously unknown or misunderstood were clarified.
• BST gained access to NPL's scientific expertise for its research and development.

Where this applies in India

A structured test programme like this helps any team that plans to use drone methane detection:

• research institutes and test labs evaluating methane sensors;
• oil and gas operators building drone-based leak detection procedures;
• city gas distribution companies planning aerial pipeline screening;
• drone service providers writing standard operating procedures before field work.

SPH Engineering's methane detection training is also available through HobiTech.

The equipment, available from HobiTech

Methane detector	The Falcon TDLAS sensor was used in this project. See our current methane detection systems.
Payload integration	Custom Payload Manager (CPM) by SPH Engineering was used. Ask us about SkyHub by SPH Engineering, SPH Engineering's onboard computer.
Terrain following	True Terrain Following
Flight planning	UgCS - Drone Flight Planning Software: see UgCS PRO, UgCS EXPERT and UgCS ENTERPRISE
Drone	DJI M300 was used in this project. Ask us for current compatible drones.

Case study by SPH Engineering, published December 2023. This page summarises it in our own words; the testing was carried out by Big Sky Theory with the National Physical Laboratory, not by HobiTech. Read the original case study on SPH Engineering ↗