Digitalisation in gas pipeline inspection - Esders GmbH (2024)

The requirements for the safety-related inspection of gas pipelines in Germany for supplying the public and industry with natural gas are very high. The technical regulations of the DVGW (e.g. G 465-1), which are currently being revised, have ensured this for years.

The EU regulation on reducing methane emissions in the energy sector, which recently came into force, has now added even stricter requirements. The aim is to protect the environment from the climate-damaging methane emissions that escape from leaking gas plants.

All of this poses major challenges for gas network operators and their service providers, who have to fulfil the requirements from both a safety and environmental perspective. An additional challenge is meeting the sometimes very short deadlines for the inspection and repair (Leak Detection And Repair, LDAR) of gas pipelines with the already limited number of specialised personnel.

One possible solution is to use the latest digital technology in order to utilise existing personnel more efficiently. Esders GmbH offers various options for this. We have already discussed the basic aspects of gas pipeline network inspections and new technologies in a previous blog articles.

DVGW technical rules GW 116, GW 118, GW 120 and GW 130 contain comprehensive standards for the digital documentation of pipelines. This includes the inspection of pipelines in operation for leaks, which can be digitally mapped and documented using GIS software (Geographical Information System).

Esders GmbH offers the Esders Pi NOTE software for this purpose. The pipeline data, i.e. the type and location of the gas pipelines and, if required, other ALKIS (Official Real Estate Cadastre Information System in Germany) data, are imported into the Esders Pi NOTE in advance. The software is then installed on a so-called Toughbook (an outdoor-capable PC) and made available to the gas detector. However, the gas detector also requires the aforementioned gas detector and probe. Digitalisation no longer stops at these devices either. The HUNTER and Laser HUNTER in combination with the Esders Pi NOTE software offer the option of mirroring the measured values from the device to the Toughbook.

Mirroring the measured values is an advantage, as the gas inspectors do not have to keep an eye on two devices, just the Toughbook. This leaves more time to concentrate on the network and the current traffic situation so as not to endanger themselves or other drivers. For reasons of comfort, the measuring device is often worn with appropriate straps or carrying systems in front of the body, on the side of the hip or on the back, so that it is not always possible to keep an eye on the measured values anyway. If the alarm threshold set in the gas detector is exceeded due to a possible gas leak, a corresponding message also appears on the Toughbook. Together with the high sensitivity of the measuring device, this ensures that no leaks are overlooked.

In addition to the Esders Pi NOTE, there are other GIS software solutions on the market that are used by gas detectors. If one of these software solutions is used together with an Esders gas detector, the measured values from the gas detector can also be mirrored on the Toughbook. This requires the “Remote Control” option in the HUNTER or Laser HUNTER and the Esders Connect app.