Helicopter-Borne Laser Methane Detection System - A New Tool For Efficient Gas Pipeline Inspection

Kurzfassung

Together with the German Aerospace Centre DLR and the Brandenburg-based company Adlares, E.ON Ruhrgas AG has developed a novel infrared laser remote sensing method which can be used during routine aerial inspections by helicopter to check natural gas pipelines for tightness, particularly in built-up areas. In combination with the E.ON Ruhrgas satellite reference service ascos, which provides Germany-wide reference data for highly accurate satellite-based surveying, and geographic information systems with digital maps containing detailed data on pipeline routes, this development offers new, highly flexible and efficient ways of looking after natural gas pipeline systems.