Methane detection by He-Ne laser for oil and natural gas prospecting

Date

1984-05

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Tech University

Abstract

Surface geochemistry studies are valuable methods of petroleum prospecting. Atmospheric methane surveys can outline those areas where detailed geochemical studies need to be conducted. This report describes a field device capable of measuring small changes in methane concentration in the near surface atmosphere. Methane concentration is determined by measuring the attenuation of the 3.3922y He-Ne line in a pressurized gas flow cell due to absorption by methane. A second He-Ne laser line at 3.3912 p, which is only weakly absorbed by methane, is used as a reference signal to compensate for laser intensity fluctuations and scattering by water and dust. This system s fast, allowing measurements to be made from a moving vehicle- Also, the system allows for continuous sampling of the changing methane concentration as opposed to point measurements.

Description

Keywords

Laser spectroscopy, Petroleum -- Geology, Geochemical prospecting, Natural gas -- Geology, Methane

Citation