Page 18 - EngineerIt July 2021

MEASUREMENT

The rise of UAVs in the battle to

reduce gas emissions

By Doug Baer PhD, global product line manager for laser analyzers at ABB

Exploring the future role of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in helping the oil and
gas industry to reduce emissions and meet climate change targets.

The Paris agreement drastically reducing emissions from man-made sources such as natural gas is going to be
At COP 21 in Paris, on 12 December crucial, and while the oil and gas industry continues to reduce its global emissions, natural
2015, parties to the United Nations gas leaks continue to be a headache for both the industry and the planet. According to
Framework Convention on Climate the International Energy Agency (IEA), methane emissions from the oil and gas industry
Change (UNFCCC) reached a landmark accounted for around 70Mt in 2020 – equating to five percent of world energy-related
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agreement to combat climate change greenhouse gas emissions.
and to accelerate and intensify the In addition to global warming, natural gas leaks also have significant safety and
actions and investments needed for a financial implications.
sustainable low carbon future.
The Paris Agreement’s central aim The gas distibution network
is to strengthen the global response to Pipelines form the backbone of gas distribution because they are a safe and cost-effective
the threat of climate change by keeping way to transport natural gas. However, leaks occur at all points in the network, from
a global temperature rise this century collection systems at the well to pipelines under streets and buildings. The causes of leaks
well below 2 degrees Celsius above can vary, with leakages occurring because of:
pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts • Excavating accidents that result in the rupturing, nicking or puncturing of a pipeline
to limit the temperature increase even • Placing extremely heavy materials or equipment over buried pipelines
further to 1,5 degrees Celsius. • Water main breaks that weaken roadways and pavements
However, meeting this goal will be • Excess accumulation of snow and ice on meters, gas pipes and gas appliance exhaust
no easy task. In fact, an article in EOS and combustion air vents
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cites that rising methane emissions could • Fire or explosion near a pipeline
derail the Paris Agreement. Although • Too much or not enough pressure in the gas system
scientists don’t know where all the extra • Equipment failure or corrosion
methane is coming from, it’s clear that • Natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes or earthquakes

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