Gas Detection Dogs
Status:
Complete
Project Reference Number:
NIA_NGN_109
START DATE:
END DATE:

Project summary
Funding mechanism:
  • Network Innovation Allowance
Technology:
  • Gas Distribution Networks
Expenditure:
£5,194
Third Party Collaborators:
  • BK Integrity Ltd
  • Dog Detectives (UK)
Summary
Documents
DNV GL will provide five dilutions of the target scent, in liquid form. The trial will be designed around a series of simple tests to evaluate whether a dog can detect quantities much smaller than that found in natural gas systems. An example of the tests are listed below:

Droplet Tests

The test will be made up of a series of droplet tests where the target scent is applied to a piece of apparatus at varied quantities and at varied concentrations. The trial will also use placebos (apparatus with no target scent added) and other distractions to test if the dog will try and indicate a false positive in order to try and get a reward. Each piece of apparatus will have a unique identifier and risk of cross contamination will be strictly monitored.

Source Test

GPS will also be used in the trial to tag a location where the point of highest concentration has been applied. This position can then be compared to where the dog indicates (i.e. has he found the source). .

Benefits
1 Confirmation the dogs can be trained to detect the odour that is added to domestic natural gas systems

2 Confirmation a dog can detect the odour at a concentration equal to the level added to domestic natural gas systems.

3 Confirmation a dog can detect quantities of the odour which is significantly less than that found in domestic natural gas systems.