Using mobile measurements of methane to detect natural gas leaks in two medium sized UK cities

Reducing fugitive emissions from natural gas networks is an important area to consider for future management of a country's methane emissions. The main problem with reducing these emissions comes from locating where leaks are commonly occurring, in order to determine which areas should be prioritised for replacing ageing or leaky pipes. This problem is especially relevant in the United Kingdom which has an extensive but ageing natural gas network. Two cities in the UK of varying sizes were selected in order to conduct vehicle-based measurement campaigns in summer and winter with a three-fold method to detect natural gas leaks; locating methane enhancements using 1Hz methane measurements; determining which areas had a recurring methane enhancement; confirming if these enhancements are natural gas emissions by use of ratios of other components contained within the natural gas mixture. This information can then be used to quantify the detected natural gas leaks and compare these to existing inventories.