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1 – 10 of over 17000Abby Kinchy, Kirk Jalbert and Jessica Lyons
This paper responds to recent calls for deeper scrutiny of the institutional contexts of citizen science. In the last few years, at least two dozen civil society organizations in…
Abstract
This paper responds to recent calls for deeper scrutiny of the institutional contexts of citizen science. In the last few years, at least two dozen civil society organizations in New York and Pennsylvania have begun monitoring the watershed impacts of unconventional natural gas drilling, also known as “fracking.” This study examines the institutional logics that inform these citizen monitoring efforts and probes how relationships with academic science and the regulatory state affect the practices of citizen scientists. We find that the diverse practices of the organizations in the participatory water monitoring field are guided by logics of consciousness-raising, environmental policing, and science. Organizations that initiate monitoring projects typically attempt to combine two or more of these logics as they develop new practices in response to macro-level social and environmental changes. The dominant logic of the field remains unsettled, and many groups appear uncertain about whether and how their practices might have an influence. We conclude that the impacts of macro-level changes, such as the scientization of politics, the rise of neoliberal policy ideas, or even large-scale industrial transformations, are likely to be experienced in field-specific ways.
– This paper aims to provide details of the major optical gas sensing techniques and their applications.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide details of the major optical gas sensing techniques and their applications.
Design/methodology/approach
Following an introduction, this paper first identifies the major gas sensing technologies and provides an overview of optical sensing techniques. The sources and impact of the gases most frequently sensed by optical methods are listed. Three non-absorption-based and nine absorption-based methods and their main applications are then described in detail. Brief concluding comments are drawn.
Findings
All manner of optical gas sensing techniques have been commercialised and while the majority are absorption-based, several other methods also play a significant role. Some optical gas sensors offer advanced capabilities such as remote monitoring, the creation of 2D and 3D distribution maps, detection of parts per trillion levels and even the visualisation of gases in real time. They play a vital role in protecting workers from hazardous gases, controlling and minimising air pollution and monitoring the atmospheric environment, as well as being used in the food, medical, process, power generation and other industries.
Originality/value
This paper provides a detailed insight into optical gas sensing techniques and their uses.
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Omid Alijani Mamaghani and Mohammad Zolfaghari
Gas transmission pipelines are at constant risk of gas leakage or fire due to various atmospheric environments, corrosion on pipe metal surfaces and other external factors. This…
Abstract
Purpose
Gas transmission pipelines are at constant risk of gas leakage or fire due to various atmospheric environments, corrosion on pipe metal surfaces and other external factors. This study aims to reduce the human and financial risks associated with gas transmission by regularly monitoring pipeline performance, controlling situations and preventing disasters.
Design/methodology/approach
Facility managers can monitor the status of gas transmission lines in real-time by integrating sensor information into a building information modeling (BIM) 3D model. Using the Monitoring Panel plugin, coded in C# programming language and operated through Navisworks software, the model provides up-to-date information on pipeline safety and performance.
Findings
By collecting project information on the BIM and installing critical sensors, this approach allows facility manager to observe the real-time safety status of gas pipelines. If any risks of gas leakage or accidents are identified by the sensors, the BIM model quickly shows the location of the incident, enabling facility managers to make the best decisions to reduce financial and life risks. This intelligent gas transmission pipeline approach changes traditional risk management and inspection methods, minimizing the risk of explosion and gas leakage in the environment.
Originality/value
This research distinguishes itself from related work by integrating sensor data into a BIM model for real-time monitoring and providing facility managers with up-to-date safety information. By leveraging intelligent gas transmission pipelines, the system enables quick identification and location of potential hazards, reducing financial and human risks associated with gas transmission.
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Longfei Hou, Dan Wang, Bingxuan Du, Xinmin Qian and Mengqi Yuan
The purpose of this paper is to present a new technique for monitoring gas leakage in underground pipelines to prevent dangerous explosions.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a new technique for monitoring gas leakage in underground pipelines to prevent dangerous explosions.
Design/methodology/approach
A novel system for monitoring methane concentration in underground spaces was developed by integrating the multi-channeled air sampling method with an infrared gas sensor. A pipe installation methodology (without excavation) was established and verified accordingly.
Findings
The proposed approach was proven successful in reducing the quantity of sensors needed for real-time monitoring of underground pipeline leakage by about 80 per cent. Furthermore, this system lowers total operational cost by as much as 60 per cent.
Originality/value
The results presented here represent a possible solution to reducing the public safety risks associated with explosions and fires caused by pipeline leakage in underground spaces. Its total cost is low and its monitoring efficiency is high.
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Jiachen Guo, Heng Jiang, Zhirong Zhong, Hongfu Zuo and Huan Zhang
Electrostatic monitoring technology is a useful tool for monitoring and detecting component faults and degradation, which is necessary for engine health management. This paper…
Abstract
Purpose
Electrostatic monitoring technology is a useful tool for monitoring and detecting component faults and degradation, which is necessary for engine health management. This paper aims to carry out online monitoring experiments of turbo-shaft engine to contribute to the practical application of electrostatic sensor in aero-engine.
Design/methodology/approach
Combined with the time and frequency domain methods of signal processing, the authors analyze the electrostatic signal from the short timescale and the long timescale.
Findings
The short timescale analysis verifies that electrostatic sensor is sensitive to the additional increased charged particles caused by abnormal conditions, which makes this technology to monitor typical failures in aero-engine gas path. The long scale analysis verifies the electrostatic sensor has the ability to monitor the degradation of the engine gas path performance, and water washing has a great impact on the electrostatic signal. The spectrum of the electrostatic signal contains not only the motion information of the charged particles but also the rotating speed information of the free turbine.
Practical implications
The findings in this article prove the effectiveness of electrostatic monitoring and contribute to the application of this technology to aero-engine.
Originality/value
The research in this paper would be the foundation to achieve the application of the technology in aero-engine.
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Olusegun E. Olorunniwo, Benjamin I. Imasogie and Adeniyi A. Afonja
This paper seeks to describe the adoption and implementation of a cost‐effective gas pipeline corrosion monitoring and control procedure for use in natural gas infrastructural…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to describe the adoption and implementation of a cost‐effective gas pipeline corrosion monitoring and control procedure for use in natural gas infrastructural facilities in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
The incidence and severity of pipeline corrosion in a major gas production facility were monitored using a combination of instrumented field survey (potential measurements, line currents and soil resistivity measurements) and microscopic evaluation (OM and SEM) techniques. Portable field survey equipment with appropriate circuitry, contactors and sensors for potential, line current and soil resistivity measurements were used to make the field measurements. The equipment was standardized and calibrated for use in the service environment. The field survey data were superimposed on common plots in order to obtain clearer and complementary information on possible corrosion hotspots and damage locations along the submerged pipelines. Metallographic examination of the samples collected from the field was carried out to establish the type of corrosion attacks and mode of failure of the pipeline material.
Findings
It was established that a combination of corrosion‐related damage occurred as a result of localized attack over time. The investigation procedure was cost‐effective and can be used to determine which pipeline structures are protected and to gauge with a high degree of precision the integrity of the submerged pipeline.
Research limitations/implications
In the future, the procedure could be fully automated for routine on‐line/on‐site monitoring of gas pipelines in a sour‐gas environment.
Practical implications
The paper presents a useful database for the selection and/or design of corrosion‐resistant materials for use in sour‐gas environments and data for a comprehensive corrosion monitoring and control program in the peculiar service environment of sub‐Saharan Africa, for improved performance, productivity, personnel safety and reduced operating costs.
Originality/value
The information is useful to on‐site engineers and operators of gas‐production facilities, particularly in sub‐Saharan Africa, for designing and implementing cost‐effective corrosion monitoring and control programs.
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Keywords
G. Stewart, B. Culshaw, W. Johnstone, G. Whitenett, K. Atherton and A. McLean
Describes the author's work on the development of fibre sensors and networks for monitoring trace gases such as methane, acetylene, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen…
Abstract
Describes the author's work on the development of fibre sensors and networks for monitoring trace gases such as methane, acetylene, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide and for detection of spills of gasoline, diesel and organic solvents, all of which are important in environmental and safety management. As an example, a 45‐point fibre optic sensor network has been installed on a landfill site to assess the distribution of methane generation across the site. System operation is based on near‐IR absorption and is currently being extended to monitor other gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide. Concurrently, research is being conducted on fibre lasers for the realisation of multi‐point, multi‐gas monitoring systems. Based on other principles (periodic micro‐bending loss effects), detection of hydrocarbon fuel spills has been demonstrated at multiple locations along the length of a specially designed fibre optic cable using standard optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) measurements.
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Yuyu Hao, Shugang Li and Tianjun Zhang
In this study, a physical similarity simulation plays a significant role in the study of crack evolution and the gas migration mechanism. A sensor is deployed inside a comparable…
Abstract
Purpose
In this study, a physical similarity simulation plays a significant role in the study of crack evolution and the gas migration mechanism. A sensor is deployed inside a comparable artificial rock formation to assure the accuracy of the experiment results. During the building of the simulated rock formation, a huge volume of acidic gas is released, causing numerous sensor measurement mistakes. Additionally, the gas concentration estimation approach is subject to uncertainty because of the complex rock formation environment. As a result, the purpose of this study is to introduce an adaptive Kalman filter approach to reduce observation noise, increase the accuracy of the gas concentration estimation model and, finally, determine the gas migration law.
Design/methodology/approach
First, based on the process of gas floatation-diffusion and seepage, the gas migration model is established according to Fick’s second law, and a simplified modeling method using diffusion flux instead of gas concentration is presented. Second, an adaptive Kalman filter algorithm is introduced to establish a gas concentration estimation model, taking into account the model uncertainty and the unknown measurement noise. Finally, according to a large-scale physical similarity simulation platform, a thorough experiment about gas migration is carried out to extract gas concentration variation data with certain ventilation techniques and to create a gas chart of the time-changing trend.
Findings
This approach is used to determine the changing process of gas distribution for a certain ventilation mode. The results match the rock fissure distribution condition derived from the microseismic monitoring data, proving the effectiveness of the approach.
Originality/value
For the first time in large-scale three-dimensional physical similarity simulations, the adaptive Kalman filter data processing method based on the inverse Wishart probability density function is used to solve the problem of an inaccurate process and measurement noise, laying the groundwork for studying the gas migration law and determining the gas migration mechanism.
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Dieter Hausamann, Werner Zirnig, Gunter Schreier and Peter Strobl
It is in the interest of any gas company to maintain the value of its pipelines and to protect them effectively against damage caused by third parties. Aims to address this issue.
Abstract
Purpose
It is in the interest of any gas company to maintain the value of its pipelines and to protect them effectively against damage caused by third parties. Aims to address this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
As a result of global progress in high‐resolution remote sensing and image processing technology, it is now possible to design natural gas pipeline monitoring systems with remote sensors and context‐oriented image processing software.
Findings
Recent developments in UAV technology show that UAVs provide the appropriate platforms for a remote sensing‐based inspection system: appropriate small and medium size UAV have been developed, their operation is technically feasible in an controlled as well as in uncontrolled airspace.
Research limitations/implications
The data and information processing system still has to be developed to an operational standard. A total operational system consisting of UAV platform, sensors, data processing and alarm detection has to be demonstrated in a complete mission. The certification and operation standards for a safe and efficient operation of UAVs do not yet exist.
Originality/value
Two different scenarios for a UAV‐based gas pipeline monitoring system are discussed.
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Ntshengedzeni Sampson Mamphweli and Edson Leroy Meyer
The aim of this research is to build a low‐cost gas and temperature profiling system for data acquisition at a biomass gasifier.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this research is to build a low‐cost gas and temperature profiling system for data acquisition at a biomass gasifier.
Design/methodology/approach
A gas and temperature profiling system was developed from NDIR sensors, Pd/Ni sensor, a number of type K thermocouples and a data logger interfaced to a computer.
Findings
The results obtained using the system were in agreement with the results obtained using a gas chromatograph for gasses. The temperature recorded during the testing also followed the expected temperature of the gasifier used.
Research limitations/implications
The lifetime of the developed system depends on the lifetime of the sensors used. NDIR sensors have a lifetime of three years working on a continuous basis and the Pd/Ni sensor has a lifetime of ten years. Replacement of the Pd/Ni sensor after ten years is not a problem as the payback period of biomass gasifier systems is around eight to ten years.
Practical implications
The major implication for this research was that low‐cost gas and temperature measuring systems could be developed. These could be useful particularly for PhD students and other researchers who need to get onsite data on gas and temperature profiles at a gasifier system for a period of three years.
Social implications
Biomass gasifier technologies can be used to provide power in rural areas that are outside the national utility grid but endowed with biomass resources. The provision of electricity to these communities could solve social challenges such as exposure to smoke in open fire normally used by rural women for cooking. The developed data acquisition system is therefore necessary to conduct research on gasification.
Originality/value
The findings of this paper are of importance to researchers who need online data but do not have funding to purchase bulky and expensive equipment's for gas analysis at biomass gasifier systems.
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