The Fiber-Optic Methane Annunciator (Detector) intended for continuous monitoring of methane leakages from gas pipelines has been developed by the Moscow-based PetroLight Company. The device does not require additional electricity connection and is based on near-infrared diode laser with wave length of 1,651µm and is able to detect the methane concentration of 0,5 – 1%.

The PetroLight FOMA being launched into mass production this spring will be an addition element of the System of Monitoring of Extended Objects (SMEO) implemented on 5500 km of oil pipelines through the OMEGA Company founded together with the Transneft Company in 2010. The methane detector will be installed on crossings with highways and railroads and is able to transmit the gas concentration signal through the fiber optic cable to the distance of 50 km.

At the same time FOMA will be an important supplement to the PetroLight Complex Well Monitoring System (CWMS), the operation of which is based on fiber-optic technologies. The system allows receiving real-time critical information on the well operation which is required for the management of decision making process.