FT Technologies provided its FT743-SM ultrasonic wind sensor for a UAV-based methane measurement system developed through a collaboration between Viridor Ltd, JB Unmanned Aerial Systems (JBUAS), and the University of Manchester.
The project was undertaken to conduct methane emission surveys at landfill sites across the United Kingdom.
Background
Viridor, a recycling and energy recovery company, sought to measure methane gas emissions at several of its operational sites. The most effective approach was determined to be a UAV-mounted system combining a methane sensor and a wind sensor, with data processed using specialized flux measurement software. Accurate wind speed and direction readings were essential for quantifying the dynamic behavior of methane emissions.
The project was carried out in partnership with specialists across multiple fields, including FT Technologies, JB Unmanned Aerial Systems (JBUAS), Pergam-Suisse, SPH Engineering, and High Compliance, alongside the University of Manchester.
FT Technologies was selected to supply a lightweight wind sensor suitable for airborne integration. The FT743-SM was configured for the system’s operational needs, with its built-in compass enabled so that wind direction readings would be taken relative to magnetic north.
System Integration
To ensure clean airflow and reduce rotor wash effects from the DJI Matrice 600 platform, the FT743-SM was mounted on an elevated pole above the rotors. This placement allowed the sensor to deliver precise wind speed and direction data during flight operations.
During the summer of 2021, the UAV equipped with the FT743-SM was flown over multiple landfill sites. The wind data provided by the sensor served as baseline information, critical for accurately quantifying methane gas flux and understanding variations in emission behavior.
Project Impact
The data collected is expected to help Viridor address the operational challenges identified by the UK Committee on Climate Change in relation to landfill sites. This UAV-based measurement method supports the company’s environmental objectives and assists in meeting regulatory and policy requirements, including those outlined in the Paris Agreement (2015) and enforced by agencies such as the Environment Agency, DEFRA, and BEIS.
Tim Rotheray, Director of Sustainability, Viridor, stated, “Viridor has a history of investing in new technologies designed to improve our environmental performance. This project will improve our ability to identify and solve any local methane emissions as soon as they occur. Methane is a product of the waste we receive and is outside of our control. We strive to drive this down through better monitoring, and this project is a major boost. Viridor supports a ban on methane-producing waste to landfill to drive down climate change-causing greenhouse gases from waste.”
Jonathan Brindley, Sensor Solutions Manager, JBUAS, commented, “As a leading UK-based supplier and integrator of UAV sensor payloads, we work with industry partners to develop and commercialise drone-based sensor solutions across multiple industrial sectors. We were delighted with the performance of the FT743-SM wind sensor. Its light weight and low power usage make it ideal for integration into this type of drone application. The wind speed and direction information it provides is essential when quantifying methane release from open sources using particular calculation methods.”
