ABB has developed a range of natural gas leak detection solutions that help personnel detect minute amounts of methane, using drone-mounted, vehicle-based and handheld systems. The high sensitivity of these solutions enables customers to find large, small and even hidden leaks faster and more reliably compared with legacy technologies.
ABB HoverGuard™’s drone-mounted methane sensors, for example, enable rapid, large-scale leak detection across vast networks of pipelines and other infrastructure – often in locations that would be difficult or dangerous for humans to reach. This translates to earlier identification of leaks, minimizing environmental impact and fugitive emissions.
A case in point: orphan wells. These abandoned oil and gas wells can spew methane and other harmful pollutants for years, contributing to global warming. Traditionally, locating and monitoring these derelict wells has been a complex and expensive undertaking.
ABB technology offers a solution. Our methane detection systems, such as ABB MicroGuard™, empower workers to efficiently locate and measure leaks from orphan wells. This data is then used to prioritize well-plugging efforts, mitigating environmental risks and contributing to a cleaner future.