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Natural Gas March 19, 2018 01:30:16 AM

‘Living’ Sensor May Detect Gas Pipelines’ Leaks in Real Time

Anil
Mathews
OilMonster Author
This sensor adheres to the outside of the pipe, and takes advantage of the metabolic process of bacteria to detect gas leaks in real time.
‘Living’ Sensor May Detect Gas Pipelines’ Leaks in Real Time

SEATTLE (Oil Monster): Scientists, including one of Indian origin, are developing 'live' sensors using bacteria that can detect leaks in gas pipelines in real time, and potentially prevent environmental disasters and fuel distribution disruptions. 

The Colonial Pipeline, which carries fuel from Texas to New York, had ruptured last year, dumping a quarter-million gallons of gas in rural Alabama. 

By the time the leak was detected during routine inspection, vapours from released gasoline were so strong they prevented pipeline repair for days.

"The advantage with our sensor is that it can detect very small leaks, and operators can take quick action to repair them," said Veera Gnaneswar Gude, from the Mississippi State University in the US. 

"We no longer have to wait until the leak is out of hand. Plus if we are able to develop this system on a larger scale, the same unit would be able to treat the waste and to remediate the soil and water that has been contaminated," said Gude. 

Pipelines are currently inspected by a device called a smart pig, an electronic sensor that travels through the pipe detecting cracks or welding defects. 

Despite regular inspection, leaks still occur. Researchers are developing a sensor that would complement this process by providing additional information about the integrity of the pipes. 

This sensor adheres to the outside of the pipe, and takes advantage of the metabolic process of bacteria to detect gas leaks in real time. 

In the current study, he is testing bacteria that will elicit an adequately measurable cathode voltage while also being able to survive in a marine environment for the application of offshore oil spill detection. 

Courtesy: www.economictimes.indiatimes.com


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