Gas - An Efficient and Easy-to-Use Source of Energy
Most of Europe, as well as large parts of the United States and China are covered by an extensive natural gas pipe network. Natural gas and biogas have similar properties, but a third energy gas, hydrogen, has different properties compared to the first two. Hydrogen cannot be found in large amounts in natural environments and must therefore be produced. This means it is not an energy source but an energy carrier, the same as electricity. The advantage with hydrogen is that it only forms heat and water vapor at combustion.
Safety first – inspection of underground gas pipeline with help of methane leak detector and probe.
Hydrogen can be produced by electrolysis of water, but this process has a rather low efficiency. It does, however, offer a way to store energy generated at times when it is not needed, for example produced from wind turbines at night. This energy can be converted into hydrogen and used later, according to the concept called "Power to Gas.”
A more large-scale method for producing hydrogen is natural gas steam reforming. However, since natural gas is a fossil fuel, making hydrogen from natural gas can hardly be considered a green technique. The key point here is that the carbon dioxide is separated and can be stored underground, with minimal impact to the atmosphere.
Safety first
No matter the gas, focus must be put on safety to avoid risk for leaks and explosions. Gas pipes above ground can be inspected with a remote infrared (IR) detector. After an indication of gas in the air is obtained, the leak is pinpointed with the help of a sniffing IR detector. INFICON gas detection instruments are used in many countries, to ensure that underground natural gas pipelines do not leak. The newly developed IR detector from INFICON can detect concentrations from 1 ppm to 100% methane in the atmosphere.
Inspections of gas pipelines are often governed by national laws and regulations. The basic principle consists of taking precautionary measures by regularly checking for leaks along every meter of the gas network with the help of a reliable gas detector. INFICON has developed a sensor technology that meets the highest requirements along with a system that makes it easy for the operator to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Neither biogas, natural gas nor hydrogen is today a definitive solution, but all offer an alternative way towards a low climate-impacting energy system. Production of hydrogen with renewable energy sources is a long-term goal requiring many years of development throughout the whole chain, from production and storage to distribution and consumption.
To learn more about gas detection and analysis, contact your local INFICON office.