Quantum gas lidar monitors continuous methane emissions

18 Jul 2023

UK based QLM says its detector offers 360˚ view of equipment up to 200m away – and associated gas emissions.

QLM Cloud analytics portal showing lidar viewfinder and emissions (L). Gas lidar (R).

QLM Technology, a Bristol, UK-based developer of a novel emissions measurement and quantification technology, has announced the commercial launch of both its Quantum Gas Lidar and the QLM Cloud, an analytics platform for analyzing and managing associated emissions data.

QLM’s patented Quantum Gas Lidar combines quantum photonics detection technology, telecom tunable lasers and a lidar to achieve detailed, 360 degree images of [chemical plant] equipment up to 200m away and any associated methane emissions, with “exceptional accuracy”.

The resulting gas lidar images are analyzed and stored, and significant emissions events and related analysis are reported through the QLM Cloud. The combined solution of QGL hardware and QLM Cloud are offered as a Software-as-a-Service, within which users can customize alerts and reports of emissions exceeding select thresholds.

‘Quantum technology architecture’

QLM’s Quantum Gas Lidar is also available through SLB, QLM’s partner for the oil and gas industry, as a part of their Methane Digital Platform offering from SEES (SLB End-to-end Emissions Solutions).

The new lidar incorporates QLM’s latest enhancements in quantification analytics and metrology. The system has been certified for deployment around the world: both US and UK patents have been granted around its core quantum technology architecture.

QLM's continuous monitoring solution detects emission sources and accurately quantifies their flow rates, locating them in 3D, so that the most consequential emitters can be prioritized and addressed.

The system provides a comprehensive, scalable, cost-effective continuous emissions management and reporting solution enabling customers to show achievement of ESG goals and compliance with OGMP 2.0 level 4/5, US EPA, PHMSA and other emerging regulatory reporting requirements.

QLM is a UK-based photonics technology and analytics company with operations in England, Wales and California. QLM developed a patented Quantum Gas Lidar that detects, visualizes, locates and accurately quantifies emission rates of greenhouse gases, enabling customers to identify and cost-effectively remediate their largest emitters. Its lidar technology is scalable to low cost at high volume, enabling wide deployment, the company states.