An NETL expert recently discussed the need for state-of-the-art sensor technologies, such as those advanced by Lab researchers, that can monitor the nation’s extensive network of new and existing pipelines and other distribution infrastructure to pinpoint deterioration and potential gas leaks.

Ruishu Wright, Ph.D., technical portfolio lead for NETL’s Natural Gas Infrastructure Program and Hydrogen Infrastructure Project, served as a panelist at the 10th annual CH4 Connections Conference, which was held at Colorado State University to explore current research and technologies to quantify and mitigate emissions of methane (CH₄) and hydrogen.

Wright outlined the development of real-time sensors that can spot early indications of corrosion and other potential issues so they can be repaired in timely fashion and ensure the delivery of clean energy — including a blend of hydrogen and natural gas — to consumers.

The nation’s natural gas pipeline network has about 3 million miles of mainline and other pipelines that link natural gas production areas and storage facilities with consumers. Hydrogen, a clean fuel, can be injected into natural gas pipelines, and the resulting blends can be used to generate heat and power with lower emissions of methane and carbon dioxide than using natural gas alone.

The largest component of natural gas is methane, the second most abundant anthropogenic greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide. However, methane is more than 25 times as potent as carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. Because methane is both a powerful greenhouse gas and short-lived compared to carbon dioxide, achieving significant reductions in methane emissions will have a rapid and significant effect on climate change.

Hydrogen is considered an indirect greenhouse gas, and its emissions need to be controlled to limit its environmental impact. The positive environmental impact of green hydrogen will be limited if hydrogen losses throughout its value chain are significant.

Monitoring low-concentration methane and hydrogen leaks in real time to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and ensure safe operations using the flammable gases is the focus of multiple complementary sensor technologies developed at NETL.

Wright shared data collected by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. A data review found there were, on average, 73 significant gas transmission pipeline incidents annually between 2003 and 2022 caused by material failure, corrosion and other factors.

“Real-time and predictive monitoring can reduce risks and improve safety. Low-concentration gas leak monitoring at sub-ppm (parts per million) level is critical to evaluate global warming effects from methane and hydrogen. NETL is developing highly sensitive gas sensors for these purposes.” Wright said.

The Lab is leading efforts to develop multiple distributed optical fiber sensing platforms to enable structural health monitoring of pipelines, compressor stations and other infrastructure. The technology can be used to detect leaks, monitor flow, identify developing cracks and provide alerts about temperature changes, seismic events and intrusions.

Optical fiber sensors offer advantages over other types of sensors because they are small, lightweight, can endure high temperatures and pressures, and are immune to electromagnetic interference.

NETL’s distributed fiber optic interrogation technology enables continuous, real-time measurements along the entire length of a fiber optic cable. The optical interrogator system connects to an optical fiber cable and injects laser energy in the form of short pulses into the fiber, converting it to an array of distributed sensors. The real-time data pinpoints the precise location of events and conditions occurring at or near the fiber sensor cable.

NETL is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that drives innovation and delivers technological solutions for an environmentally sustainable and prosperous energy future. By leveraging its world-class talent and research facilities, NETL is ensuring affordable, abundant and reliable energy that drives a robust economy and national security, while developing technologies to manage carbon across the full life cycle, enabling environmental sustainability for all Americans.