NETL Outlines Use of Sensors To Prevent Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Deliver Clean Energy

NETL Expert Discusses the Need for State-of-the-Art Sensor Technologies for Monitoring Pipelines

An NETL expert recently discussed the need for state-of-the-art sensor technologies, such as those advanced by Lab researchers, that can monitor the nation’s extensive network of new and existing pipelines and other distribution infrastructure to pinpoint deterioration and potential gas leaks.

Introduction

Ruishu Wright, Ph.D., technical portfolio lead for NETL’s Natural Gas Infrastructure Program and Hydrogen Infrastructure Project, served as a panelist at the 10th annual CH4 Connections Conference, which was held at Colorado State University to explore current research and technologies to quantify and mitigate emissions of methane (CH₄) and hydrogen.

The Importance of Sensor Technologies

Wright outlined the development of real-time sensors that can spot early indications of corrosion and other potential issues so they can be repaired in a timely fashion and ensure the delivery of clean energy — including a blend of hydrogen and natural gas — to consumers.

The Role of Natural Gas Pipeline Network

The nation’s natural gas pipeline network has about 3 million miles of mainline and other pipelines that link natural gas production areas and storage facilities with consumers. Hydrogen, a clean fuel, can be injected into natural gas pipelines, and the resulting blends can be used to generate heat and power with lower emissions of methane and carbon dioxide than using natural gas alone.

Significance of Sustainable Development Goals

• Methane, the largest component of natural gas, is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
• Significant reductions in methane emissions can have a rapid and significant effect on climate change.
• Hydrogen emissions need to be controlled to limit its environmental impact.
• Monitoring low-concentration methane and hydrogen leaks in real time is crucial for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring safe operations.

NETL’s Efforts in Sensor Technology Development

Wright shared data collected by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, which showed that there were, on average, 73 significant gas transmission pipeline incidents annually between 2003 and 2022 caused by material failure, corrosion, and other factors. Real-time and predictive monitoring can reduce risks and improve safety. NETL is developing highly sensitive gas sensors for these purposes.

The Lab is leading efforts to develop multiple distributed optical fiber sensing platforms to enable structural health monitoring of pipelines, compressor stations, and other infrastructure. The technology can be used to detect leaks, monitor flow, identify developing cracks, and provide alerts about temperature changes, seismic events, and intrusions. Optical fiber sensors offer advantages over other types of sensors because they are small, lightweight, can endure high temperatures and pressures, and are immune to electromagnetic interference.

NETL’s distributed fiber optic interrogation technology enables continuous, real-time measurements along the entire length of a fiber optic cable. The optical interrogator system connects to an optical fiber cable and injects laser energy in the form of short pulses into the fiber, converting it to an array of distributed sensors. The real-time data pinpoints the precise location of events and conditions occurring at or near the fiber sensor cable.

About NETL

NETL is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that drives innovation and delivers technological solutions for an environmentally sustainable and prosperous energy future. By leveraging its world-class talent and research facilities, NETL is ensuring affordable, abundant, and reliable energy that drives a robust economy and national security, while developing technologies to manage carbon across the full life cycle, enabling environmental sustainability for all Americans.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
   • Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into their national policies, strategies, and planning.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

The issues highlighted in the article are related to the monitoring and maintenance of natural gas pipelines and the development of sensor technologies to detect leaks and ensure the delivery of clean energy. Based on this, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

This SDG is addressed because the article discusses the delivery of clean energy through a blend of hydrogen and natural gas. The use of hydrogen in natural gas pipelines can help reduce emissions of methane and carbon dioxide.

• Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
• Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption.

The development of sensor technologies to monitor and maintain natural gas pipelines contributes to the goal of increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix by ensuring the delivery of clean energy.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

This SDG is connected to the issues discussed in the article because it emphasizes the need to upgrade infrastructure and adopt clean technologies and processes. The development of sensor technologies for pipeline monitoring aligns with this goal.

• Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
• Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added.

The development of sensor technologies for pipeline monitoring can contribute to making infrastructure sustainable by reducing the risk of leaks and ensuring the efficient and safe delivery of clean energy.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

This SDG is relevant because the issues discussed in the article are directly related to climate change mitigation through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane.

• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
• Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into their national policies, strategies, and planning.

The development of sensor technologies for monitoring methane and hydrogen leaks contributes to the integration of climate change measures into national policies and strategies by enabling the early detection and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: netl.doe.gov

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