Remote detection of hydrocarbon seeps
US4517458A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 23, 1981 |
| Grant date | May 14, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V8/02
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of detecting hydrocarbon seeps in a sea or in earth is disclosed. The method involves interrogating aerosols formed above the sea or earth surface with an intense beam of primary light radiation generated aboard an aircraft or other vehicle. The spectral composition of the beam is selected to induce secondary light radiation in certain hydrocarbon materials contained in aerosols generated by hydrocarbon seeps rising to the sea or earth surface. The secondary light radiation is detected aboard the aircraft and subjected to spectral analysis to determine whether the composition of the aerosols is characteristic of aerosols generated by hydrocarbon seeps. Apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.