ABB has observed a notable rise in demand for its MobileGuard™ natural gas leak detection technology throughout 2024, particularly in Europe and North America. As regulatory compliance becomes more stringent and energy infrastructure must adapt to climate-related challenges, companies are increasingly turning to ABB’s innovative solutions.

The MobileGuard™ system, known for its unparalleled sensitivity—over 1,000 times higher than conventional methods—has proven to be an essential tool for detecting methane leaks swiftly and accurately. As a result, energy companies are prioritizing advanced leak detection to meet evolving environmental standards and enhance the safety and resilience of their infrastructure.

Strengthened Regulations and Environmental Imperatives

With the implementation of the EU Methane Regulation in August 2024, European energy operators are now required to monitor and mitigate methane emissions systematically. Since natural gas primarily consists of methane, managing pipeline leaks has become a key environmental priority.

Simultaneously, North America has faced an increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, further driving the need for robust, reliable, and rapid inspection technologies. Energy providers must now find efficient ways to detect and address leaks to ensure the integrity of their networks.

Overcoming the Challenges of Underground Pipelines

The global network of natural gas pipelines spans over 1.1 million kilometers—enough to encircle the Earth 30 times. These pipelines are often buried underground, making leak detection particularly challenging. Methane, being invisible, odorless, and lacking a visible emission trail, requires highly sensitive detection methods.

Traditional leak detection technologies often fall short in speed and accuracy. ABB’s MobileGuard™, a vehicle-mounted, laser-based system, provides an advanced alternative by measuring methane and ethane concentrations with unmatched precision. Using OA-ICOS™ (Off-Axis Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy), it analyzes gas interactions through tunable laser emissions, enabling real-time detection at the parts-per-billion (ppb) level. This technology allows for methane detection 10 times faster than traditional equipment, significantly improving efficiency in identifying leaks.

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A Comprehensive Suite of Gas Detection Technologies

MobileGuard™ is part of ABB’s extensive gas leak detection portfolio, designed for both autonomous and integrated applications. This includes:

• HoverGuard™: A drone-based system capable of detecting and quantifying methane leaks in remote areas and landfill sites.
• MicroGuard™: A portable solution for on-foot surveys, enabling precise identification of leak sources.

By combining high-performance laser-based technology with sophisticated data analysis software, ABB provides energy companies with the most comprehensive, effective, and efficient approach to detecting, measuring, and mitigating gas leaks.

Long-Standing Commitment to Precision Monitoring

For over two decades, ABB’s OA-ICOS™ analyzers have supported researchers worldwide in measuring trace gas concentrations for scientific studies, spanning regions from the Arctic to the Amazon. This enduring expertise in gas detection technology underpins ABB’s commitment to environmental sustainability and industrial safety.

ABB: Pioneering Electrification and Automation

ABB is a global leader in electrification and automation, committed to fostering a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By integrating cutting-edge engineering and digitalization, ABB empowers industries to operate with heightened performance, efficiency, and sustainability.

With a 140-year legacy and approximately 110,000 employees worldwide, ABB remains at the forefront of innovation. The company’s shares are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB).

ABB’s Process Automation division specializes in automating, electrifying, and digitalizing industrial operations, serving critical sectors such as energy, water, materials production, and logistics. With a workforce of around 20,000 employees, this division delivers pioneering solutions that drive industries towards a cleaner and more efficient future.

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