- ABB’s key solutions include the laser-based MobileGuard™ system which detects gas leaks 10 times faster than traditional solutions, helping to make Chinese cities cleaner and safer
- Drone-based HoverGuard™ is used to fly over pipelines or hard-to-reach assets for gas leak inspection
- The innovative Sensi+™ gas analyzer monitors gas quality, detecting multiple contaminants in a single device
ABB, a global leader in electrification and automation, is participating in the World Gas Congress (WGC), the leading event for the natural gas industry, which takes place 19-23 May in Beijing. At the event, ABB will demonstrate leadership in gas leak detection and gas quality monitoring. Visitors can listen to ABB’s Jason Ghiraldini on 21 May in meeting area 253.
A market leader in gas analysis, ABB has an extensive portfolio based on laser spectroscopy technologies. These technologies ensure ABB can offer the highest accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability in gas leak detection and gas quality monitoring.
“The effective detection of leaks and measurement of emissions around natural gas pipelines is vital for ensuring compliance and safety of infrastructure but traditional methods are slow and lacking the accuracy and sensitivity required,” said Jason Ghiraldini, Global Product Manager, ABB Measurement & Analytics. “There has been a long-term commitment from ABB to the development of multiple innovative emissions monitoring and gas leak technologies that help our customers perform optimally.”
Natural gas supports China's economic growth and assists in the country's energy transition and the achievement of its ‘dual carbon goals’ - peaking CO2 emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. In cities such as Beijing, natural gas has come to play a crucial role in addressing air pollution by replacing coal. Currently, China is ranked third in the world in natural gas consumption.[1] According to the International Energy Agency, close to 8 percent of China's energy comes from natural gas.[2]
“China has thousands of kilometers of natural gas pipelines, but some of the infrastructure is aging, with increased risk of leaks and pipeline corrosion,” said Jason Ghiraldini. “ABB helps natural gas companies in China to comply with environmental regulations as well as make their infrastructure safer and more resilient by detecting gas leaks fast and preventing corrosion.”
Advanced gas leak detection technology from ABB
Five years ago, ABB introduced its laser-based MobileGuard™ in China, a vehicle-mounted system that detects and measures gas leaks with sensitivity over 1,000 times higher than conventional technologies. MobileGuard measures methane and ethane simultaneously several times per second, using OA-ICOS™ technology (off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy). It is 10 times faster than traditional equipment in detecting single parts per billion (ppb) of the target gases.
Since its introduction, MobileGuard has been used by more than 150 Chinese natural gas companies in over 400 cities and across 30 provinces.
In 2024, ABB saw a significant increase in the demand for MobileGuard compared to the previous year. In Europe, natural gas utilities use MobileGuard to comply with environmental regulations, while customers in North America rely on it to inspect energy infrastructure quickly and economically during extreme weather events such as hurricanes and tornadoes.
MobileGuard™ is designed to operate autonomously or in combination with the drone-based HoverGuard™, which detects and quantifies methane leaks in hard-to-reach assets and landfills, and the portable MicroGuard™, which is used for conducting surveys on foot.
Ensuring natural gas quality
For natural gas quality monitoring, ABB's Sensi+™ analyzer is an innovative solution for continuous and simultaneous measurement of gas contaminants. Sensi+ monitors hydrogen sulfide, water and carbon dioxide in a single device. Also based on OA-ICOS™ technology, Sensi+ eliminates the need for multiple analyzers and numerous maintenance schedules, reducing the need for hours of operator training and services. Sensi+ is used in the natural gas industry to monitor excess levels of the target contaminants, which can cause corrosion in gas infrastructure, particularly pipelines and storage facilities. Measurement of the target gases is also typically required in custody transfer as specific contaminants must be monitored for tariff and regulatory compliance.
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~20,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps process, hybrid and maritime industries outrun – leaner and cleaner. go.abb/processautomation
