Leaking natural gas pipelines in urban environments can result
in explosions and fires. The new ABB MicroGuard™ solution will
work alongside ABB's MobileGuard™ to pinpoint dangerous gas leaks.
Faster and easier detection with this patented laser-based
technology will help reduce fatalities, environmental damage and
material loss.
QUEBEC, Oct. 29, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ -
Governments around the world are seeking to
reduce the inherent risks of gas leaks to public safety
and the negative impact on global warming. ABB's new
portable MicroGuard complements ABB's MobileGuard, the
vehicle-based gas leak detection system currently used by many
utilities globally. Combined, they provide
a unique solution for an entire natural gas
infrastructure. MicroGuard can be used as a stand-alone device
but becomes even more powerful when reading the maps generated
by MobileGuard to enable surveyors to quickly find leaks on
foot, generally within minutes.
Explaining how the solutions work, Dr. Doug Baer, ABB's Global Product Line Manager for
Laser Analyzers, said: "Our LGR-ICOS™ laser absorption technology
constitutes the analytical engine at the heart of MobileGuard and
MicroGuard, and provides fast, highly sensitive measurements in air
that enable us to distinguish quickly and reliably between
naturally-occurring methane – from livestock or landfills, for
example – and gases leaking from a buried pipe or other potentially
dangerous source."
The hardware is selectively sensitive to natural gas,
continuously measuring methane and ethane, wind velocity and local
coordinates. Proprietary software incorporates these measurements
into detailed fluid dynamics calculations, virtually eliminating
false positives and drastically reducing search areas to provide
surveyors with the data they need to reliably and quickly locate
leaks. The solutions can generate and share digital reports in
real-time on a user-controlled and secure Cloud server and, most
importantly, continuously maintain rigorous cybersecurity
protocols. The field data and comprehensive reports generated allow
crews to intelligently prioritize resources and repairs.
Compliance with relevant regulations becomes easier because data
is digitally available, immediately.
MobileGuard can be used in vehicles driven at speeds of up to
55mph (88 km/h). MicroGuard will read maps generated by MobileGuard
which enables surveyors to leave their vehicle and search on foot
to quickly pinpoint leak locations precisely – four times faster
than conventional technology.
The ABB patented technology has also been developed for
ABB's HoverGuard™* that can be mounted on
an aircraft or UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) to
survey locations that are inaccessible by vehicles or
technicians, and ABB's EverGuard™* for fixed
locations which can continuously monitor high-risk areas in well
pads, gathering lines, pipelines, factories, distribution stations
and storage facilities.
Altogether, the complete ABB Gas Leak Detection Platform makes
it possible to find leaks throughout the entire natural gas
infrastructure – upstream, midstream, downstream, and
from utilities – with far higher reliability and
speed than ever
before by combining leading-edge, cybersecure measurement
technology, with advanced data analytics.
"These mobile technologies, used separately or in combination,
will change the way utilities and service providers search for
natural gas leaks in distribution and transmission pipelines, at
oil and gas facilities and other industrial sites. Detecting and
finding leaks fast makes it possible to fix them quickly, boosting
safety and decreasing harmful emissions to the environment." added
Baer.
ABB's complete Gas Leak Detection Platform now represents an
important component within a comprehensive industrial or municipal
strategy for measuring, and ultimately reducing greenhouse gas
emissions.
*EverGuard and HoverGuard will be launched by end of 2020.
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology
company that energizes the transformation of society and industry
to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting
software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion
portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive
performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching
back more than 130 years, ABB's success is driven by about 110,000
talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com
SOURCE ABB inc.