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Explains
Targeting fugitive emissions from networks
When it comes to gas distribution networks, we’re not talking about leaks of tens of tonnes of methane per hour. But small leaks from GDNs nonetheless add up. That means tackling fugitive emissions from networks is an area with potential in the fight against climate change.
“Individually small leaks, when aggregated across an entire network operating continuously, can amount to substantial volumes of lost gas and significant greenhouse gas contributions,” Automa's Matteo Campanelli explains.
These emissions are typically unintentional releases of methane at points on networks where components are joined together. Typical sources of fugitive emissions include valves, joints, flanges, seals, pumps and other mechanical parts found in pressure regulating stations, district gas governors, and along pipelines.
Leaks occur because of mechanical wear, thermal cycling, vibration, and material degradation, all of which can compromise the integrity of seals and connections. Higher operating pressures also place greater stress on components, which can result in leaks.
“This [higher pressure] increases the likelihood that even minor imperfections will result in gas escaping,” explains Campanelli. “The effect is especially pronounced during periods of low demand — typically at night or during warmer months — when networks may operate at pressures significantly above what is required to meet consumer needs.”
That’s where new technology comes into play. Devices are now available which manage pressure and detect fugitive emissions, including GOLEM-ZERO and MethanEye from Automa.
GOLEM-ZERO is a dynamic pressure regulation system. It automatically modulates network pressure in real time based on actual demand. This enables pressure to be optimised and reduces stress on the system.
Studies conducted using the European Gas Research Group algorithm have shown that dynamic pressure regulation using GOLEM-ZERO can reduce station-level emissions by up to 12.5% in winter and 14.5% in summer, with field results also demonstrating reductions exceeding 30% at night.
While GOLEM-ZERO reduces the likelihood of emissions, new sensor monitoring technologies are also enabling a transition from periodic, campaign-based leak detection and repair (LDAR). Instead, continuous, real-time visibility is possible using devices such as Automa’s MethanEye, a system for the continuous detection and quantification of methane emissions within enclosed environments. These include pressure regulating stations and district governors in gas distribution networks.
This compact, intelligent device features an integrated CH4 sensor that detects methane concentrations in the surrounding environment. Volumes are expressed in parts per million. The system can be installed in proximity to components susceptible to leakage to provide continuous monitoring, with a measurement frequency of up to one sample every 30 seconds. With an external power supply, continuous measurement is also possible.
Data from MethanEye is transmitted via an integrated LTE modem to Automa's WebPressure platform, the operator's SCADA system, or locally to a remote terminal unit. WebPressure enables: leak quantification; trend analysis; statistical reporting; regulatory compliance; device configuration; mapping; and integration with third-party applications. If alarm thresholds are exceeded, the device alerts operators without waiting for a scheduled report.
Automa’s quantification algorithm processes raw data from the sensor. It can express emissions both in ppm and in kg/year, as required by EU Regulation 2024/1787 (see below). This dual output enables operators to satisfy both operational monitoring needs and regulatory reporting obligations.
Installation requires no interruption to the gas supply. MethanEye is certified for ATEX Zone 0 — the most demanding hazardous area classification — for both methane and hydrogen environments. This enables deployment in the full range of gas network infrastructure.
“MethanEye represents the first step in transforming a gas network from an infrastructure that is periodically inspected into one that continuously reports its own condition — providing operators with the real-time, measured data they need to manage emissions proactively and demonstrate regulatory compliance,” says Campanelli.
The MethanEye approach overcomes some of the limitations of traditional leak detection, including the periodic nature of LDAR campaigns, and the need for components to be physically accessible.
MethanEye and GOLEM-ZERO are complementary technologies, Campanelli adds. “When MethanEye identifies an increase in emissions, GOLEM-ZERO can respond by optimising the pressure regime to reduce the conditions that drive fugitive leaks — principally overpressure during periods of low demand.”
“Individually small leaks, when aggregated across an entire network operating continuously, can amount to substantial volumes of lost gas and significant greenhouse gas contributions.”
Matteo Campanelli, project manager, Automa
Targeting fugitive emissions from networks
When it comes to gas distribution networks, we’re not talking about leaks of tens of tonnes of methane per hour. But small leaks from GDNs nonetheless add up. That means tackling fugitive emissions from networks is an area with potential in the fight against climate change.
“Individually small leaks, when aggregated across an entire network operating continuously, can amount to substantial volumes of lost gas and significant greenhouse gas contributions,” Automa's Matteo Campanelli explains.
These emissions are typically unintentional releases of methane at points on networks where components are joined together. Typical sources of fugitive emissions include valves, joints, flanges, seals, pumps and other mechanical parts found in pressure regulating stations, district gas governors, and along pipelines.
Leaks occur because of mechanical wear, thermal cycling, vibration, and material degradation, all of which can compromise the integrity of seals and connections. Higher operating pressures also place greater stress on components, which can result in leaks.
“This [higher pressure] increases the likelihood that even minor imperfections will result in gas escaping,” explains Campanelli. “The effect is especially pronounced during periods of low demand — typically at night or during warmer months — when networks may operate at pressures significantly above what is required to meet consumer needs.”
That’s where new technology comes into play. Devices are now available which manage pressure and detect fugitive emissions, including GOLEM-ZERO and MethanEye from Automa.
GOLEM-ZERO is a dynamic pressure regulation system. It automatically modulates network pressure in real time based on actual demand. This enables pressure to be optimised and reduces stress on the system.
Studies conducted using the European Gas Research Group algorithm have shown that dynamic pressure regulation using GOLEM-ZERO can reduce station-level emissions by up to 12.5% in winter and 14.5% in summer, with field results also demonstrating reductions exceeding 30% at night.
While GOLEM-ZERO reduces the likelihood of emissions, new sensor monitoring technologies are also enabling a transition from periodic, campaign-based leak detection and repair (LDAR). Instead, continuous, real-time visibility is possible using devices such as Automa’s MethanEye, a system for the continuous detection and quantification of methane emissions within enclosed environments. These include pressure regulating stations and district governors in gas distribution networks.
This compact, intelligent device features an integrated CH4 sensor that detects methane concentrations in the surrounding environment. Volumes are expressed in parts per million. The system can be installed in proximity to components susceptible to leakage to provide continuous monitoring, with a measurement frequency of up to one sample every 30 seconds. With an external power supply, continuous measurement is also possible.
Data from MethanEye is transmitted via an integrated LTE modem to Automa's WebPressure platform, the operator's SCADA system, or locally to a remote terminal unit. WebPressure enables: leak quantification; trend analysis; statistical reporting; regulatory compliance; device configuration; mapping; and integration with third-party applications. If alarm thresholds are exceeded, the device alerts operators without waiting for a scheduled report.
Automa’s quantification algorithm processes raw data from the sensor. It can express emissions both in ppm and in kg/year, as required by EU Regulation 2024/1787 (see below). This dual output enables operators to satisfy both operational monitoring needs and regulatory reporting obligations.
Installation requires no interruption to the gas supply. MethanEye is certified for ATEX Zone 0 — the most demanding hazardous area classification — for both methane and hydrogen environments. This enables deployment in the full range of gas network infrastructure.
“MethanEye represents the first step in transforming a gas network from an infrastructure that is periodically inspected into one that continuously reports its own condition — providing operators with the real-time, measured data they need to manage emissions proactively and demonstrate regulatory compliance,” says Campanelli.
The MethanEye approach overcomes some of the limitations of traditional leak detection, including the periodic nature of LDAR campaigns, and the need for components to be physically accessible.
MethanEye and GOLEM-ZERO are complementary technologies, Campanelli adds. “When MethanEye identifies an increase in emissions, GOLEM-ZERO can respond by optimising the pressure regime to reduce the conditions that drive fugitive leaks — principally overpressure during periods of low demand.”
“Individually small leaks, when aggregated across an entire network operating continuously, can amount to substantial volumes of lost gas and significant greenhouse gas contributions.”
Matteo Campanelli, project manager, Automa
