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Cost Effective Aerial Methane Detection 

EASY-TO-USE METHANE SENSING FOR MANNED AIRCRAFT

VISION

We’re Here to Revolutionize the World of Methane Detection

We provide pipeline owners with low-cost, easy-to-use methane gas detection technology for manned aircraft. Our sensors can be attached to your existing pipeline patrol aircraft to help comply with the new regulations.  Our system is the most efficient and cost-effective means for pipeline methane gas detection.

OUR PRODUCT

Advanced Laser Technology

 METHANE DETECTION THRESHOLD

3.5 SLPM

Methane Flow Rate

100 PPM-M

Sensitivity

The Falcon-XL has flown over 450 hours of real-world pipeline surveys on customer aircraft. During this time, the system successfully detected confirmed pipeline
leaks throughout North America.

COMPACT

49  Pounds

Total Weight

.95 Ft. Sq.

Frontal Area

While in flight, operators use the video feed from a  downward-facing camera and a joystick to keep the laser beam pointed on the downwind side of the pipeline or area of interest. The laser detects the methane gas plume flowing downwind of the pipeline leak. The system shows the operator the Parts Per Million Meter (PPM-M) of methane that is passing through the laser beam. These PPM-M readings are geotagged and exportable to Google Earth (.KMZ) files and Excel (.CSV) files for post-flight analysis.

ADVANCED SENSOR TECHNOLOGY

60°

Laser Swath Width 

0.2s

Methane Detection Latency

The Falcon-XL uses laser technology to detect and then estimate the amount of methane present in the air. The  system emits a safe, lower-powered Class 1 laser toward the ground. The laser’s wavelength is tuned specifically to interact with methane molecules and the sensor detects methane by measuring the laser’s attenuation by those molecules.

WHY VANGUARD

A New Approach, Allowing Legacy Pipeline Patrol Operators To Find Gas Leaks

The Falcon-XL can be implemented as part of a holistic pipeline integrity management program to ensure compliance with new and forthcoming leak detection requirements of DOT (PHMSA) and EPA regulations. The system is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). It is also Supplemental Type Certified (STC) for Cessna 172s, Cessna 182s, and Cessna 206s.

COMPANY

Vanguard in Numbers

450

Pipeline Survey Hours

3

Core Teams

5

Years to Develop

$0

Government Grant Funding

Our Industry Partners

COLLABORATION