Analysis of NOx Blast Fumes with Drones

Austin Powder manufactures, distributes, and applies industrial explosives for industries including quarrying, mining, construction, and other applications.  Although it’s unusual, these massive explosions can release a foreboding yellowish-orange cloud that is often an indicator of nitrogen oxides—commonly abbreviated NOx.  Austin Powder is seeking research into the ability to image these plumes so as to potentially estimate volume and concentration.  The ultimate goal would be to image this plumes in the field with multiple drones. https://www.rit.edu/news/researchers-using-drones-detect-noxious-gas-released-explosions 

We have explored the usage of structure from motion to image 3D objects, run experiments to estimate volume of 3D solid objects, explored the usage of multiple cameras to capture image of a still object.  We are currently working on a GPS mechanism for camera triggering along with moving towards actual plumes.  We are utilizing smoke grenades as surrogate for spatial imaging.