Probability-Based Gas Leak Detection Without Wind Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fugitive gas leak detection systems rely on costly and inaccurate real-time wind data from anemometers, leading to inefficiencies and errors in detecting and quantifying gas leaks, particularly in industrial settings.
Innovation Solution
A probability-based approach using a network of hazardous area-certified gas sensors positioned close to potential fugitive gas sources, eliminating the need for anemometers, and employing probability matrices to identify and quantify gas leaks based on sensor coordinates and gas concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-time wind data from anemometers is used for fugitive gas leak detection, then detection capability is provided, but system cost increases and measurement accuracy deteriorates due to inaccuracies in wind data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the anemometer component from the detection system entirely. Instead of using wind data from anemometers, the system relies solely on gas sensor concentration readings and probability matrices to identify leak sources, thereby eliminating the need for expensive and inaccurate wind measurement equipment while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex anemometer systems with simpler, more reliable gas sensor arrays. The system uses multiple relatively inexpensive gas sensors positioned at different locations, processing their concentration data through probability matrices to achieve accurate leak source identification without requiring costly real-time wind measurement equipment
2Reliability
If real-time wind data from anemometers is used for fugitive gas leak detection, then detection capability is provided, but measurement precision worsens due to inaccuracies in wind data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where gas concentration readings from multiple sensors are continuously processed through probability matrices. The system compares expected concentration patterns with actual readings, iteratively refining leak source identification and quantification based on the concentration data feedback, thereby achieving high measurement precision without relying on inaccurate wind data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters from relying on wind speed and direction measurements to using gas concentration values and spatial probability distributions. By transforming the detection basis from physical wind parameters to chemical concentration parameters processed through probability matrices, the system achieves superior measurement precision for leak source identification
3Measurement precision
If multiple gas sensors are positioned close to potential fugitive gas sources, then detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring area into discrete zones with potential leak sources, placing gas sensors at specific strategic locations within each zone. This segmentation allows the system to focus detection efforts on high-probability areas, achieving high detection accuracy with a limited number of sensors rather than requiring dense coverage across the entire facility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the gas sensor network to serve multiple functions simultaneously: detecting gas concentrations, determining leak source locations through probability matrices, quantifying emission rates, and identifying which specific equipment is leaking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Accurately and timely detects and quantifies fugitive gas emissions without real-time wind data, reducing costs and improving detection accuracy by leveraging proximity and concentration data from a small number of sensors.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of gas sensors is configured to detect gas concentrations over a time period
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative system for probability based fugitive gas leak detection comprises an equipment group including: a potential fugitive gas source; and a plurality of gas sensors positioned at respective locations in proximity to the potential fugitive gas source, wherein each of the plurality of gas sensors is configured to detect gas concentrations over a time period, and a supervisor communicatively coupled to the equipment group, the supervisor being configured to: receive the detected gas concentrations; determine a probability matrix based at least on the coordinates of the gas sensors and coordinates of the potential fugitive gas source; and identify the potential fugitive gas source as an actual fugitive gas source based on the probability matrix and the detected gas concentrations.