An approach to leak detection using wireless sensor networks at carbon sequestration sites

This paper concerns the problem of detecting leaks at carbon sequestration sites through the monitoring of CO₂ levels using a wireless sensor network (WSN). By applying a basic linear dynamic model for an advection-diffusion process, a model-based detection strategy called the Iterative Partial Sequential Probability Ratio Test (IPSPRT) can be employed to detect and localize multiple leaks. A 3-D CO₂ transport model is employed to provide a proof of concept simulated evaluation of the IPSPRT against a windowed-average approach in terms of time-to-decision vs. probability of false alarm and probability of a missed alarm. Despite using only a basic linear dynamic model, the IPSPRT is shown to achieve exponentially increasing better time-to-decision than the windowed-average approach as the probability of false alarm and probability of a missed alarm are decreased. A test bed implementation is described and employed to evaluate the performance of the IPSPRT in the presence of common WSN errors.