Microdrones Announces New Methane Detection Drone Solution

By Mike Ball / 30 Oct 2017
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Microdrones mdTector methane detection drone

Microdrones has announced the release of a new professional drone-based aerial methane detection solution, the mdTector1000 CH4 – a fully integrated aerial methane inspection package built for professionals responsible for methane gas infrastructure.

“For our customers, we want to provide the very best packages, with a full line of systems and payloads including the new mdTector,” said Microdrones President, Vivien Heriard-Dubreuil, adding, “A fully integrated aerial methane inspection package opens a new door for us, into the gas industry. For our Trimble dealers, the expansion creates even more customers globally.”

The mdTector1000 CH4 package features a Pergam gas sensor mounted and integrated with the Microdrones md4-1000 UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle). Users can see aerial shots in real time of what is being detected with the laser sensor. The sturdy carbon-fiber built UAV can easily navigate terrain that is too dangerous for traditional foot crews.

The mdTector1000 CH4 is a versatile package that can be used for:

  • natural gas line surveys
  • tank inspections
  • gas well testing
  • plant safety
  • landfill emission monitoring

“This is the drone package we’ve been eagerly developing, to provide current and new customers with the professional tools to get work done, all in one,” said Mike Hogan, Microdrones Sales Director for the Americas. “Providing new products to customers that expand our reach across the globe is what we aim to do, giving the end user everything they need at their fingertips to accurately and efficiently retrieve data, safer than ever before.”

Johan Wictor, Business Development Manager for Pergam Technical Services, added, “The platform was very stable, which is crucial for methane detection. Data acquisition was very good and the ability to incorporate waypoints is a great benefit. We’re very excited to work with Microdrones to help market this platform.”

Package benefits include:

  • avoids risk of traditional gas detection methods
  • broad range of detection from 1-50,000 ppm x m
  • lightweight and easy to transport
  • easy to deploy and operate

Microdrones has also bundled the mdCockpit Android App as part of the package, allowing users to maintain visualization in-flight. A special mdTector app allows users to visualize and present all post-flight data on one map.

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact