Grantee Research Project Results
Drone-Based Gas Mapping LiDAR for Leak Mitigation
EPA Contract Number: 68HE0D18C0019Title: Drone-Based Gas Mapping LiDAR for Leak Mitigation
Investigators: Thorpe, Michael
Small Business: Bridger Photonics, Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: October 1, 2018 through March 31, 2019
Project Amount: $99,999
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2018) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Air and Climate
Description:
Bridger Photonics, Inc. proposes developing a drone-based Gas Mapping LiDAR™ sensor to mitigate
the loss of valuable product across the Oil & Gas supply chain. The sensor will uncover leaks and
physical changes to infrastructure and pipeline right-of-ways using high-resolution 3D topographical
imagery with methane gas concentration overlays. The technology will enable reliable detection,
precise localization, and accurate quantification of leaks. Bridger’s target market will be the Oil & Gas
production sector, where most lost product occurs. For the proposed Phase I effort, Bridger will prove
the feasibility of meeting the key performance characteristics demanded by the industry while
overcoming the critical cost barrier to reach a price point below $500/yr per wellpad. This provides an
attractive value proposition to key industry stakeholders that lose an estimated $2,400/yr per wellpad
due to lost product and regulatory fines.
Supplemental Keywords:
technology, leak detectionProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.