Presented by Maria Araurjo
Recap by guest-contributor Russel Choi-Pearce
Maria Araujo, a Manager of Research & Development representing the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), presented a talk describing SwRI’s SLED/M technology which uses Infrared Cameras and a deep learning machine algorithm to detect methane gas leaks from natural gas lines that would not otherwise be visible to the human eye. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and natural gas pipeline leaks account for about 100,000 barrels of methane per year. Detection of methane leaks up to date have been poor and often result in false positives. SLED/M looks to reduce those false positives with improved detection methods in real time with both stationery and drone mounted detection systems. These systems represent an improvement in reliability and cost efficiency through automation as well as ease of deployment. SwRI is working to commercialize the SLED/M technology and is interested in working with investors toward that goal.