Learnings

Outcomes

Work package 0 proved that the sensors are able, in a laboratory setting, to detect the lower explosive limit of 5 blends of methane and hydrogen, proving the sensor’s viability for further testing in the field. 

Work package 1 (benchmarking and review of gas detection landscape) provided a clear case for pursuing MPS sensor technology as a cost-effective solution for fugitive leak detection.  The fixed, end point detection system offered a combination of continuous detection, leak identification and quantification, reliability, limits of detection, ease of installation and price that other systems were not able to fully match. 

Work Package 2 (Bacton demonstration) showed that the system can be installed, at scale, in just a few days and without effect to other site operations – on a busy, critically important piece of UK infrastructure. It demonstrated the sensors can pass safety requirements for site installation, and that the system can remain in place, providing continuous monitoring with very little required from site personnel – besides simple battery changes. It demonstrated the technology’s ability to detect, locate and quantify emissions from site, and also provided a chance for operational staff to test and use Nevada Nano’s live portal for viewing sensor data. MethaneTrack consistently detected emissions greater than 0.2 L/min, properly located the emission source (typically within 5 m) and estimated the size of the emission sufficiently to permit prioritizing repairs. The success of the Bacton demonstration convinced NationalGas and NevadaNano to develop a follow-on project to continue the MethaneTrack deployment at Bacton.

Work package 3 provided a measurement of the systems performance against known, controlled releases of natural gas, NG/H2 blends, and 100% hydrogen. It demonstrated that the technology is a viable contender for future use across a blended transmission network, and a 100% transmission network. It has also shown that the methane detection, location, and quantification capabilities are generally accurate above modest leak rates of 0.2l per minute. The data collated provides confidence that the recommended deployment at Future Grid should be able to detect leaks >20 scfh within 90 min and predict their locations within 5 m and sizes 

within 30% of the ground truth values.

Work package 4 comprises a technical report which clearly describes and summaries the activity of this project. 

Value Tracking

   Maturity

·       TRL7-8

·       Technology has been piloted on a large, live site and could now be considered for roll out across the network. 

   Opportunity

·       100% & multiple asset classes. 

·       This project is applicable to all above ground NTS installations. 

   Deployment Costs

·       - 

·       These tools have not been selected for immediate deployment.

   Innovation Costs

·       £377,722 (cost of project)

   Financial Saving

·       - 

·       No immediate financial saving

   Safety

·       100% 

·       The technology demonstrated has shown it could be used for previously undetected leaks – enabling remediation. 

   Environment

·       0 

·       No immediate carbon savings but will enable significant savings if technology is adopted. 

   Compliance

·       Supports compliance 

·       This project showed that emissions detection system can be compliant with existing installation and  overall site procedures.

   Skills & Competencies

·       Departmental 

·       Operational teams were able to successfully deploy and use the devices, following usual G/35 installation processes.

   Future Proof

·       Indicated on the business strategy 

·       This project demonstrated a pilot deployment of large scale, fixed emissions monitoring technology. 

Lessons Learnt

The Project set out to deliver the following New Learning which could inform future projects:

·       Ability of Nevada Nano’s leak detection system to detect current NTS fugitive emissions. 

·       Ability of Nevada Nano’s leak detection system to detect hydrogen blend, and 100% hydrogen, fugitive emissions.

In addition, other learning has been found: 

·       The project has provided useful information on leak performance of live NTS sites. 

·       The project has provided some useful information on leak performance between different gases, particularly natural gas, hydrogen blends, and 100% hydrogen. 

·       The project has provided some useful information on the leak behaviours of different gases (plume behaviour, environmental factors.) 

No changes were made to project methodology throughout the course of this project, and no lessons learned can be drawn from the project management / methodology.