The gas network operator MITNETZ GAS<\/a> from eastern Germany has to check the tightness of around 3,500 km of gas pipelines every year. Gas leaks have devastating consequences: Not only the gas supply then no longer can be guaranteed, but the climate-damaging gas methane<\/strong> escapes. To reduce methane emissions, rapid gas leak detection is essential. Drones can be used very effectively for this purpose.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Methane<\/strong>\u00a0is the second-largest contributor to the climate crisis after carbon dioxide (CO\u2082).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Methane<\/strong> accounts for about 17% of greenhouse gases emitted worldwide (CO\u2082: 66%, nitrous oxide (N\u2082O): 7%, other gases: 11%).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Methane<\/strong> is about 25 times more potent than CO\u2082 (from a 20-year perspective, it is even 84 times more potent).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Methane<\/strong> remains in the atmosphere for around 12 years (CO\u2082 for over 1000 years).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div> MITNETZ GAS plans to check its gas pipelines with the support of automated drones in the future and completed the first automated test flight recently. Together with the Croatian company AIR-RMLD<\/a>, FlyNex<\/a> supports the gas operator in gas leak detection using drones.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Equipped with the appropriate laser technology, the drone sends a laser beam to the ground at a flight altitude of 15 to 50 meters. Based on the reflection, the device can then detect whether methane is present here. The software can then automatically evaluate the measurements to identify any anomalies. The results are then compiled in color on a map so that the fitters can take targeted measures immediately.<\/p>\n At the beginning of November 2021, the proof of concept with MITNETZ GAS took place in Machern near Leipzig. For around 45 minutes, the professional drone successfully flew over 2 km of the underground pipeline network. With the help of FlyNex, the entire project management, from flight planning to data analysis, could be implemented entirely and straightforwardly in the FlyNex Enterprise Suite<\/a>. In addition, FlyNex as project partner took over the exchange with the authorities to obtain all necessary permits for the inspection mission.<\/p>\n<\/div> \u00a9 MITNETZ GAS, 2021<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> Jana Erdmann, Project Manager Operations at MITNETZ GAS says:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div> “Especially in hard-to-reach areas like forests or across fields, this is a good option. We wanted to investigate this more closely to see if and how it works properly. Actually, during the first test, I didn’t expect the drone to find any abnormalities.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>Everyone Is Talking About CO\u00b2: Facts About Methane (CH4)<\/h2><\/div>
Searching for Methane With Laser Beams<\/h2><\/div>
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