# Gas Leak-Detecting Drones The RMLD-Sentry Monitors Methane Leaks & Makes Gas Infrastructure Safer By Alyson Wyers | Published 2016-03-31 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/methane-leak References: [springwise](http://www.springwise.com/drone-monitors-methane-leaks-fracking-sites/) & [arpa-e.energy.gov](http://arpa-e.energy.gov/?q=slick-sheet-project/methane-leak-detection-system-0) These government drones are tasked with monitoring methane leaks. The RMLD-Sentry drone fly by extraction sites to detect dangerously high natural gas and methane levels. At least 2% of natural gas resources in the United States are lost through leaks at production sites, which is where this unmanned aerial vehicle comes in. The RMLD-Sentry uses a remote methane leak detection system to check for instances of gas escaping, and thereby reduce the cost of checking sites in-person as well as improving well safety and sustainability. The UAV is designed by Physical Sciences Inc. with monitoring technology from [Health Consultants Inc.](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-dietary-supplement), [Princeton University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nitrogendriven-recovery-boost), the [University of Houston](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modified-drone) and Thorlabs Quantum Electronics. The eco drones will be able to over 24 hour surveillance of gas extraction areas. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 41% | Activity: 16% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Methane Leak Detection:** Developing advanced technologies to detect methane leaks in gas infrastructure. - **Drone Monitoring:** Utilizing drones for remote monitoring and surveillance of gas extraction sites. - **Sustainable Infrastructure:** Implementing eco-friendly solutions to enhance the safety and sustainability of gas infrastructure. ### Who This Affects Most - **Drone Technology:** Exploring opportunities to develop specialized drones for monitoring gas leakages in various industries. - **Environmental Services:** Providing services and technologies to identify and mitigate methane leaks in gas infrastructure. - **Energy & Utilities:** Adopting innovative solutions to enhance safety, minimize leaks, and reduce costs in gas extraction and distribution. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Extreme-Heat Firefighting Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/firedrone-by-empa.md) - [Portable Drone Detectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dedrone.md) - [Flame-Resistant Firefighting Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/firefighting-drones.md) - [Natural Environment-Analyzing Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/edrone.md) - [Water Sampling Drone Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydro-hawk.md) - [Carbon-Caged Mapping Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mapping-drone.md) - [Flying Aquatic Maintenance Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seaair-integrated-drone.md) - [Danger-Embracing Underwater Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dangerembracing-underwater-drones.md) - [Enterprise-Ready Drone Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dji-matrice-400.md)