Advanced Development of a Methane/Natural Gas Microsensor

Under Development

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Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)

Damage Prevention and Mitigation -- Excavation Damage Prevention

The project developed a micro-sonator (MR) methane/natural gas sensor. The technology is based on a pair of tuning fork micro-resonators and is used in a commercial hydrogen sensor. The project developed two prototype devices: 1) an analytical methane/natural gas sensor/instrument which include all necessary outputs, alarm signal, LCD display, operator setting of instrument parameters, and dual power capabilities, and 2) a safety monitor sensor with alarm only; which lacks some functions and hardware elements. The second sensor offers the same performance but at reduced cost.

The MR methane/natural gas sensor can be adapted to LDC needs as an analytical in-line or off-line measurement tool for gas operations applications or as fixed safety monitoring (alarm) device for residential, commercial or industrial applications. The MR sensor was tested for robustness, accuracy and, and cost. An important advantage of the MR sensor is that it will not produce false alarms in the presence of other hydrocarbons and organic vapors, a problem that has existed in other sensors in the market.

Increased Safety - The capability to detect leaks without false alarms will help to detect potential pipeline threats accurately, so that appropriate action can be taken sooner.

Reduced Operations Cost - The MR sensor is inexpensive.

Greater Reliability - The MR sensor is designed to be accurate and robust. Proactively addressing known threats results in safer operation and enhanced reliability of facilities.

PHMSA, https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/matrix/PrjHome.rdm?prj=495