Drone Methane Detection at LNG Sites | SPH Engineering Methane Detection Kit

Executive Summary: Drone Methane Detection at an LNG Site

These surveys are critical for ensuring operational safety, as undetected leaks can pose significant hazards, and for meeting strict environmental regulations.

Traditional ground methods were slow and failed to provide a comprehensive overview for strategic decision-making. By deploying a fully integrated aerial solution from SPH Engineering, our Methane Detection Kit (UgCS + SkyHub + Falcon), Ileron was able to complete a full site survey in a single day, leveraging a sensor they describe as "by far the best in every aspect."

At a Glance

• Site Type: LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) facility
• Objective: Methane leak detection across the entire site
• Outcome: Full site surveyed in a single day
• Baseline (ground): 15 hectares/day with 1-2 person crew
• Kit used: UgCS (mission planning) + SkyHub (onboard logging) + Falcon (methane detector)
• Data Capture: Sensor measurements GPS-stamped for precise emission mapping
• Value: Strategic big-picture view to find hotspots, prioritize maintenance

The Challenge: Ground Methane Surveys vs Aerial Methane Detection

For expert consultants like Ileron, providing clients with actionable intelligence is paramount. However, traditional ground-based methane gas surveys present significant operational hurdles.

With crews of one to two people, the process is labor-intensive, with a productivity rate of only around 15 hectares per day. More importantly, this ground-level approach often fails to provide the high-level, strategic overview needed to identify broader patterns and efficiently allocate resources. That kind of perspective makes it possible to see methane distribution across the entire site, pinpoint emission hotspots in relation to infrastructure, and prioritize maintenance where it matters most. Without this, the team risks spending time on isolated data points rather than addressing the areas of greatest concern.

For sensitive and expansive environments like LNG sites, Ileron needed a solution that was not only faster and safer but also delivered more insightful data.

The Solution: Aerial Methane Detection System (UgCS + SkyHub + Falcon)

SPH Engineering provided Ileron with a complete aerial system engineered to work as a single, cohesive unit. This approach is central to our philosophy as a solution architect: we don't just provide products; we deliver integrated capabilities.

The solution seamlessly combines three core SPH Engineering technologies:

1. UgCS Mission Planning Software. Ileron’s engineers used UgCS to design precise, automated survey flights. The software's ability to create repeatable flight plans that follow complex terrain is critical for ensuring consistent data collection over the entire site.
2. SkyHub Onboard Computer. As the central hub on the drone, SkyHub integrated the Falcon sensor with the aircraft's autopilot. It logged every measurement from the sensor and stamped it with high-accuracy GPS coordinates, making it possible to build precise methane emission maps.
3. Falcon Methane Detector. Having tested multiple sensors, Ileron’s experience confirmed the Falcon methane detector's superior performance. Flying at a safe altitude, the high-precision laser sensor provided the speed and accuracy needed for a comprehensive site survey.

More about our Methane Detection Kit

"We have tried several methane gas sensors, but the Falcon System by SPH Engineering is by far the best in every aspect."
— Filippo Fiaschi, Ileron

The Result: Full LNG Site Methane Survey in One

The impact of the SPH Engineering solution was immediate. The team was able to survey the entire LNG site in just one day, a dramatic improvement over the slow pace of ground crews.

The most significant result, however, was not just the speed but the quality of the data. The aerial perspective provided what Ileron describes as "a strategic big picture to avoid wasting time and money."

Instead of just finding isolated data points, Ileron could now provide their clients with a comprehensive map of the entire site, showing emission hotspots in relation to the overall infrastructure. This high-level view allows for smarter, data-driven decisions, enabling teams to focus their efforts and resources where they are needed most.

Conclusion: From Data Points to Data-Driven Strategy

This collaboration with Ileron showcases the power of an integrated systems approach. By combining best-in-class hardware like the Falcon methane detector with the intelligent control of UgCS and SkyHub, SPH Engineering delivered more than just technology. We delivered a capability that transformed our client's workflow from a slow, ground-based task into a rapid, strategic analysis. For Ileron, this means delivering a more valuable and insightful service to their clients, reinforcing their position as leaders in the field.