Past Projects
The Center for Methane Research (CMR) facilitates and conducts independent research, emphasizing methane’s relevance to operational safety and system reliability. Below is a sample of past research projects. To learn more about these and other projects, please contact us.
Project Categories
Data Integration | Protocol Development | Survey Factors | Survey Quality Assurance | Survey Quality Assurance | System Evaluation
Data Integration Projects
LDAR Modeling for Distribution Systems (Phase 1) - 2018
Summary: Adapted the FEAST model to evaluate the cost, emissions, and effectiveness of LDAR programs for gas distribution systems, focusing on modeled walking surveys with handheld methane detectors and vehicle‑based leak survey methods across different survey frequencies and system sizes.
LDAR Modeling for Distribution Systems (Phase 2) - 2024
Summary: Adapts and expands the FEAST modeling toolkit to evaluate the costs, emissions, and effectiveness of leak detection and repair programs in distribution networks. Three different leak detection technologies were examined, including a “Method-21 like” model that was a handheld sniffer that looked for methane concentrations, a truck-based sensor system, and a drone-based sensor system.
Advanced Leak Detection (ALD) Meta Analysis - 2026
Summary: Analyzes data from advanced leak detection deployments to compare technology performance and improve actionable insights for operators. (walking, mobile).
Protocol Development Projects
Methane Detection Technology- Regulation Equivalence Testing - 2024
Summary: Develops and applies a standardized protocol to compare the performance of 4 mobile methane detection technologies in leak surveys under controlled and real-world conditions.
Advanced Leak Detection Technology for Grading Leaks (Phase 2) - 2023
Summary: Evaluating whether advanced above‑ground open‑path methane detection methods, particularly open‑path laser spectroscopy, could be integrated into or augment existing leak grading procedures, by comparing their performance against traditional pump‑based subsurface survey platforms such as CGIs, FIDs, and DPIRs during field leak surveys. Phase 2 focused on field deployment, procedural integration, and comparison against established grading instruments.
Survey Factors Projects
Data Driven Investigation of Inspection Intervals - 2025
Summary: Investigates the relationship between walking leak survey intervals and strategies and the discovery of leaks in local distribution systems. Uses operator-provided data and modeling to assess how inspection interval strategies impact leak discovery and regulatory compliance in distribution systems.
Advanced Tools for Methane Emission Estimations - 2024
Summary: Creates and validates advanced modeling techniques for estimating methane leak rates and locations, addressing regulatory requirements and environmental factors. Duel open-path laser sensors.
Survey Quality Assurance Projects
Mobile Leak Classification Application - 2023
Summary: Develops and implements a mobile application with smart forms to guide field crews in accurately classifying and managing gas leaks in real time.
Developing Routing Solution for Leak Survey (Phase 1) - 2024
Summary: Improving the efficiency, completeness, and verification of distribution leak surveys by developing and evaluating GIS‑based routing and task‑management solutions, with emphasis on supporting mobile, vehicle‑based and walking leak survey programs through software platforms that optimize routing, track surveyor paths, and manage repeat or follow‑up survey assignments rather than introducing new sensing hardware.
System Evaluation Projects
Drone Based Methane Detection (Phase 1) - 2020
Summary: Assess the feasibility and limitations of using drone‑based methane detection for gas distribution applications by evaluating UAV‑mounted methane sensors and integrated drone platforms for wide‑area and localized leak surveys under controlled and field conditions.
Drone Based Methane Detection (Phase 2) - 2022
Summary: Developing best practices for emergency leak surveys using UAV‑based methane detection, with the primary objective of demonstrating that drone‑mounted methane sensors could rapidly detect and localize high‑flow distribution leaks through wide‑area, high‑altitude surveys and localized low‑to‑mid altitude UAV investigations, particularly in post‑disaster scenarios.
Evaluation of Point and Shoot Methane Detection Technologies (Phase 1) - 2020
Summary: Evaluating the performance and limitations of handheld point‑and‑shoot laser methane detectors through controlled outdoor and facility‑based leak surveys, with the primary objective of assessing their effectiveness for detecting distribution‑scale leaks across varying distances, angles, and obstructions.
Evaluation of Point and Shoot Methane Detection Technologies (Phase 2) - 2022
Summary: Evaluating the effectiveness and operational limitations of handheld point‑and‑shoot laser methane detectors for minor and indoor leak surveys, with the primary objective of assessing their ability to detect small distribution leaks on indoor piping, meter sets, and constrained assets across varying distances, angles, and background conditions.
Evaluation and Demonstration of Stationary Continuous Methane Monitoring Systems for Gas Utility Systems - 2022
Summary: Field tests and compares new stationary methane monitoring systems for use at utility facilities, focusing on detection reliability and environmental considerations.
Advanced Leak Detection Technology for Grading Leaks (Phase 1) - 2021
Summary: Evaluating the feasibility of using advanced above‑ground open‑path methane detection methods to support leak grading, with the primary objective of assessing whether open‑path laser–based surveys could correlate with and potentially complement traditional. Phase 1 focused on proof‑of‑concept and correlation using an open‑path laser prototype. subsurface leak classification methods used on distribution systems.
Validation of Remote Sensing Leak Detection Technologies under Realistic and Differing Conditions - 2022
Summary: Validates drone-based methane leak detection technologies at real-world pipeline sites, quantifying uncertainties and performance metrics using statistical analysis.
Gas Mapping LiDAR for Distribution Leak Detection - 2023
Summary: Demonstrates the capability of Bridger Gas Mapping LiDAR (GML) systems to detect and map methane leaks in distribution networks, evaluating detection probability and quantification accuracy.
Physical Sciences Inc. Laser QGI Field Testing (Phase 1) - 2022
Summary: Validated and evaluated the performance of advanced hand-held Remote Methane Leak Detector prototypes in field and controlled settings, identifying improvements for commercialization.
Physical Sciences Inc. Laser QGI Field Testing (Phase 2) - 2024
Summary: Validating advanced prototypes of the Quantitative Gas Imager (QGI) to accurately detect, visualize, and quantify methane leaks, emphasizing handheld, non‑contact laser‑based walking surveys deployed during controlled testing and real‑world utility field surveys on distribution assets.
Evaluation of Current Advanced Mobile Leak Detection (AMLD) Systems - 2025
Summary: Evaluates the field conditions and factors affecting detection performance and operational limits of four advanced mobile leak detection systems for pipeline surveys.
Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) and Handheld Laser Methane Detectors for Large Leak Identification - 2025
Summary: Assesses the accuracy and reliability of OGI cameras and handheld laser detectors in identifying large methane leaks in natural gas distribution systems.
GeoTeknica Gas Imaging Laser - 2025
Summary: Develops and tests a MEMS-based laser gas imaging instrument for rapid, sensitive detection and quantification of methane leaks at midstream infrastructure sites.
Satellite Methane Detection for Distribution Applications - 2025
Summary: Investigates the application of satellite-based methane detection for local distribution companies, including field testing and analysis of leak indication effectiveness.
Technology for 24/7 Leak Detection - 2023
Summary: Integrates existing methane sensing and wireless technologies into a prototype system for continuous, unattended leak monitoring, with commercial developments meeting most objectives.
High-Accuracy Mapping of Leak Surveys - 2021
Summary: Evaluates a commercial platform that integrates high-sensitivity methane sensors with GNSS systems for real-time, high-accuracy mapping of walking leak surveys.
Pipe Bridge Inspection/Design using LiDAR Drone-based Inspection - 2024
Summary: Evaluating the applicability and benefits of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for pipeline inspections and integrity assessment, emphasizing aerial survey methods using drone platforms equipped with visual imaging, photogrammetry, and 3D modeling payloads rather than ground‑based leak detection surveys.