MetScan Nano 1D, downward-facing drone methane detection, TDLAS laser

Scanning a pipeline or a site from the drone

The MetScan Nano 1D measures methane by open-path laser spectroscopy (diffuse-reflection OP-TDLAS): the beam travels down to the ground, reflects off it and returns to the sensor, which derives the methane column crossed, in ppm·m. By following a pipeline or flying a grid over a site, the drone traces a continuous band of measurements, the Belt Scan, and each point is positioned in 2D from the drone’s position and the sensor’s orientation. A dedicated camera shows the laser spot. The target gas is methane only, with no interference from other gases.

Designed for the DJI Matrice 4D / 4TD and 5TD, and the Dock 3 and 4

The sensor connects to the E-Port of the DJI Matrice 4D / 4TD, with mount supplied and no integration kit. It is controlled in DJI Pilot 2 via PSDK, which provides it with the drone’s position. From a DJI Dock 3, the same flight paths are repeated automatically: recurring monitoring of a distribution network, a landfill or a wastewater treatment plant, with no pilot on site. Details for each drone are given in our AIRINS and DJI compatibility table. It is also compatible with the DJI Matrice 5TD and the DJI Dock 4.

Nano 1D or Nano 1F: downward-facing or forward-facing

Both MetScan Nano detectors share the same laser and the same measuring range. The Nano 1D points downwards, at around 50 Hz, and calculates the 2D position of each measured point, assuming flat ground: medium to high location accuracy. The Nano 1F points forwards, at 1 to 5 Hz, to inspect elevated equipment, and relies on synchronisation with the drone’s camera. For longer range, a 3-axis gimbal and Sector Scan on the Matrice 400 and 350, see the MetScan V1P.

AIRINS.ai, included with purchase

The AIRINS.ai software is included with purchase, for perpetual use with one unit and one main account, together with one year of remote technical support and updates. A subscription is available as an alternative to purchase: an AIRINS.ai account with a refundable deposit and a quarterly plan with a kilometre quota, terms on quotation. The sensor is controlled in DJI Pilot 2; AIRINS.ai is used for analysis: heat maps, hotspots ranked in ppm·m, PDF or DOCX reports for your LDAR and OGMP 2.0 programmes, GIS exports. Data is transferred via USB-C; a 4G connection is available as an option.

Warranty, calibration and service life

Warranty. Standard one-year warranty. The extension can only be purchased with the initial order, at 20% of the total product value per additional year, up to two years of extension. After the warranty period, the hardware and software remain fully usable.

Calibration. Units are factory-calibrated before shipment. Recalibration is recommended every 12 months in a stable operating environment. If working conditions change (temperature, measurement environment), some modules require their zero point to be readjusted. Two methods are available:

• By the customer. Injection of a calibration gas or comparison with the reference equipment of a measuring station. The new correction factor is calculated using the manufacturer’s formula, then saved in the calibration interface of the AIRINS.ai platform.
• By return to the factory, for annual inspection and calibration. Free of charge during the warranty period, with shipping costs borne by the customer. Outside the warranty, it is invoiced according to the inspection results, with costs communicated for prior approval.

Service life. 3 years on average, depending on how often the unit is used and the concentration levels encountered. This lifetime is shorter with frequent use in heavily polluted areas.

Technical specifications

See the MetScan Nano 1D in action

Order from Drone Parts Center

Drone Parts Center, official AIRINS reseller for the Benelux, helps you choose the right MetScan for your sites and provides training in Nivelles or at your site. Request a quote: purchase orders accepted from public authorities, intra-EU VAT-exempt invoicing for VAT-registered businesses. Explore the full AIRINS range and our environmental monitoring solutions.