Networked Sensors for Sequestration MVA

The Department of Energy is promoting geologic carbon sequestration (GCS) as a means to mitigate CO2 emissions from fossil-fueled plants. To verify that GCS performs its intended function, the sequestered CO2 must be monitored. For this purpose, novel tools are needed to cost-effectively detect, locate, and quantify sources of escaping CO2, by monitoring either the CO2 or surrogate leak indicators such as CO2 isotopologues and methane. This project will develop and demonstrate a set of gas analysis tools, based on networked Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS), for the cost effective monitoring and surveying of GCS site leaks. TDLAS is a flexible and configurable sensing technology for measuring trace concentrations of selected target gases in complex gas mixtures. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The sensing tools should ultimately provide commercial benefits to GCS site operators by reducing the cost of leak surveying and verifying site integrity. For the sensor producer, the market potential for sensors is likely to be in the tens of millions of dollars