KAUST


Farooq's group for Advanced Sensing Technology & Energy Research 
logo100(FASTER)

The motivation for this project is driven by the need for effective and continuous monitoring of hydrogen sulfide—a highly toxic gas—commonly found in the oil and gas industry. Traditional chemical sensors often lack the spatial coverage and flexibility needed for real-time, long-distance monitoring. By integrating sensing and communication, our system addresses these challenges, enabling efficient monitoring of hazardous environments, reducing the risk of gas leaks, and ensuring safety compliance.

The project leverages mid-infrared (MIR) laser absorption spectroscopy (LAS) to detect H2S levels while using the same optical link for wireless communication. This dual-functionality system is a breakthrough, offering high sensitivity for gas detection while maintaining reliable communication. The system is designed to monitor H2S concentrations from 1% to 10% and achieve precise results over distances up to 20 km using neutral-density filters to simulate atmospheric conditions​

 

(a) Spectral simulations of H2S and atmospheric species at the selected wavelength. (b) Schematic of the dual-functionality laser setup.

Impacts :
  • Oil & Gas Industry: Continuous, real-time monitoring of H2S levels over large areas to prevent harmful leaks.
  • Environmental Safety: Enhances public and environmental safety by detecting and addressing toxic gas emissions.
  • Industrial Communication: Provides a cost-effective solution for gas sensing while transmitting critical data wirelessly over long distances.

 

Aramco Upstream Research Center, EXPEC ARC