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What is Aerial Methane Detection?

 

What is Aerial Methane Detection?

Aerial methane detection refers to the use of sensors mounted to small aircraft or helicopters to scan for methane emissions leaking from oil and gas infrastructure. Once emissions are detected, the process includes locating the source of the leak and quantifying its emissions properties (like how much is leaking and how fast). 

Bridger Photonics specializes in this aerial methane detection, leveraging advanced LiDAR technology to scan large areas quickly and with high precision.

Why Aerial Methane Detection Matters

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and a valuable product. Undetected leaks can lead to regulatory penalties and lost revenue for oil and gas companies as well as environmental harm. It’s in everyone’s best interest to prevent and repair emissions effectively so total emissions are reduced. 

The ability to detect leaks quickly and accurately is essential. Aerial methane detection provides:

  • Fast, efficient scanning including of large, remote, or complex environments
  • Quantified data to support operational decision-making and compliance reporting
  • Precise leak localization for quicker repairs

By making it easier to find and address leaks, aerial methane detection helps operators improve system integrity, reduce environmental risk, stay ahead of regulations, and protect their bottom line.

How Does Aerial Methane Detection Work? (Brief Technical) 

Aerial methane detection involves mounting advanced sensors on aircraft (like planes or helicopters) to scan oil and gas sites from above. A variety of sensor technology can be used including infrared imaging, hyperspectral sensing, or light detection and ranging (LiDAR). 

The process generally follows these steps:

  • The aircraft flies a structured route over the target areas
  • Attached sensors scan for signs of methane from the air
  • When methane is present, the system detects it and captures the data
  • The collected data is processed into a map or report showing leak locations, imagery, and estimated emission rates

Bridger Photonics uses a LiDAR-based approach called Gas Mapping LiDAR™ (GML), which measures methane concentrations by analyzing how much laser light is absorbed by methane in the air.

Key Applications in Oil and Gas

  • Surveying entire basins or regions efficiently
  • Monitoring remote or hard-to-access sites
  • Detecting and locating fugitive emissions from well pads, pipelines, tanks, and other infrastructure
  • Supporting compliance and regulatory reporting
  • Setting and tracking progress toward internal ESG goals
  • Prioritizing repairs by leak size, location, or operational risk
  • Improving repair logistics by providing precise, geo-tagged leak data
  • Validating repairs and documenting fix effectiveness over time

Related: LiDAR, Gas Mapping LiDAR™, Methane Quantification, Fugitive Emissions

Aerial vs. Ground-Based Detection

Tech

Remote?

Quantifies?

Works at Scale?

Aerial (LiDAR)

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

OGI (Ground)

❌ No

❌ No

❌ Limited

Handheld Methane Detectors

❌ No

❌ No

❌ No

 

Common Terms Associated with LiDAR

  • Flight Path: The planned route used to maximize detection coverage
  • Localization: Determining the exact point source of methane leaks
  • Methane Quantification: Measuring the emission rate of detected leaks

 

FAQs

  • Q: Can aerial systems detect small leaks?

    A: Yes. Bridger’s system is designed to detect emissions down to ~1 kg/hr at 90% probability of detection, depending on conditions.

  • Q: How accurate is aerial methane detection?

    A: Accuracy depends on the technology used, weather conditions, and flight altitude. LiDAR-based systems like Bridger’s can locate leaks within meters and provide quantified emission rates with high precision.

  • Q: How often should aerial scans be conducted?

    A: That depends on your emissions goals, regulatory requirements, and infrastructure type. Some operators fly quarterly or monthly, while others increase frequency during critical operations or when preparing for audits.

  • Q: What happens after a leak is detected?

    A: The operator receives a report with geo-tagged leak locations, imagery, and emission rates. This data can be used to prioritize repairs, support compliance reporting, or monitor long-term performance.

  • Q: Is aerial detection accepted for regulatory reporting?

    A: Yes, increasingly so. Agencies like the EPA allow the use of quantified aerial data to support methane regulations, especially when the data meets specific technical standards.

  • Q: Is aerial detection safe for people and the environment?

    A: Yes. Detection flights are non-invasive, and technologies like LiDAR use eye-safe infrared lasers that pose no risk to humans, wildlife, or infrastructure.

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