Devices & Sensors
Instrument Description
Methane Sensor
Methane sensors measure the concentration of dissolved methane in the seawater. These sensors are protected against sea water and pressure by a silicone membrane. Gas molecules diffuse through the membrane and into the detector chamber. Diffusion occurs along the partial pressure gradient that exists between the chamber and the ambient water. The concentration of methane in the chamber is then compared to the concentration in the surrounding water.
Over time, contamination of the sensor membrane from oil droplets seeping out of the seafloor can obscure and bias measurements, so it is necessary to recover and maintain methane sensors periodically.
Specific Instruments
Individual instruments of the above category, which are (or have been) connected to our observatories. Click an instrument for detailed information.
| Name/Model/ID | Current Location |
|---|---|
| Franatech METS Methane Sensor G051-E273 | Marine Technology Centre |
| Franatech METS Methane Sensor G74-E287 | Marine Technology Centre |
| Franatech METS Methane Sensor T19-E303 on Crawler | Marine Technology Centre |
| Pro-Oceanus Mini CH4 SN 38-518-23 | Marine Technology Centre |
Click the instrument categories below for descriptions and lists of instruments belonging to that category.