ABB HoverGuard

Main article: What is the Internet of things (Internet of Things, IoT)

2021: Launch of gas leak detection and greenhouse gas measurement system

April 9, 2021 ABB announced the launch of a gas leak detection and greenhouse gas measurement system based on. drones

ABB launches drone-based gas leak detection and greenhouse gas measurement system

According to the company, to solve the problem of delivering industrial and domestic gas, pipelines are often laid in hard-to-reach areas. Operators of such networks must ensure the safety, integrity and reliability of pipelines, but detecting the leakage of invisible and odorless gas can be a difficult and expensive task. HoverGuard, the latest addition to the ABB Ability Mobile Gas Leak Detection System allows detecting leaks faster and more accurately.

HoverGuard detects gas leakage quickly, safely and correctly and displays it on the map. It is capable of catching leakage at a distance of up to 100 meters from distribution pipeline networks and main pipelines, field pipelines, storage facilities and other potential sources. The system automatically generates detailed digital reports ready to be sent a few minutes after the examination.

The solution is connected to the cloud, it is a system based on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which allows in flight to determine in continuous mode the amount of the three most important greenhouse gases - methane, carbon dioxide and water vapor. Each greenhouse gas affects the environment differently and is present in different quantities in the air. The rapid response and proper accuracy of the analyzer allows scientists and researchers to accurately determine greenhouse gas flows, which provides important information for studying complex environmental processes affecting climate change and pollution.

Patented laser absorption spectroscopy with optimized resonator ability detects methane with a sensitivity of 1000 times higher and 10 times faster than conventional leak detection devices. Such sensitivity and speed allow HoverGuard to detect leaks during flight at a speed of more than 88 km/h at an altitude of 40 meters or higher. By using low-cost commercial UAVs with a payload of up to 3 kg, the solution allows daily monitoring of 10-15 times the area.

Previously, inspectors had to rely on slow analog quality sensors or expensive cameras that require careful handling to detect leaks. Our solution explores areas that are not accessible for foot or car monitoring. The technology optimizes the safety of the pipeline network, regardless of whether it is located in a deserted area or in a city, by detecting and mapping natural gas leaks in inaccessible places, such as bridges, areas with diversion limits or impassable vegetation, gas reservoirs and pipelines. told Doug Baer, PhD, global leader of the Laser Analyzers product line at ABB

HoverGuard complements ABB's existing gas leak detection proposals, which include MobileGuard for vehicles, portable MicroGuard and stationary EverGuard (scheduled for release by the end of 2021). All of them can work independently of other solutions and from each other.