The potential of MEMS for gas distribution systems Marcogaz-Gerg Gas sensors workshop: 27 th February 2014, Brussels Erik Polman, Paul van Norden, Kiwa Technology, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands

Project objectives and details Methodology followed Results Follow up Outline

Examine potential of MEMS for gas distribution systems (GDS) Present overview of MEMS technology Examine possibilities that can be applied directly Explore possibilities of future MEMS elements Propose set of applications for GDS Carried out in 2011: GDF Suez, National Grid, Italgas, Dutch utilities, Kiwa Technology Project objectives and details

Literature study on MEMS and key players Examine developments in “gas MEMS” Define a wish list Prioritize wish list Define criteria Interviews with experts Select promising MEMS to be developed Methodology

Detection and inspection: – Leak (sound measurement or humidity), Surface roughness, deposits, wall thickness Gas quality: – Calorific value, gas flow, olfactory, odorant level, trace components, impurities Repair and control – Signal to intelligent pig with repair set, Inspection camera Collect signals: – own energy creation, set up of hub Micro moving robots – Robot equipped with sensors Wish list

Potential benefit of MEMS: – Small size, low costs, easily integrated in a device Low cost level can be achieved if: – Use available sensors (humidity, orientation, oxygen) – Develop application for , for chemical sensors Choose application with unique properties above large conventional solutions: – Low energy demand, integration in wireless systems, integrated in pipe system, insight over large area, cost savings, new applications Criteria for selection

Check odorisation level (THT, in future also olfactory) Mass balance calculations Small and low cost calorific value meters Integration in smart meters Determine pressure changes in the grid Components of a system: Smart gas grid with pressure, temperature, flow sensors making use of energy harvesting and telecommunication A system of robots moving through a pipeline Target applications defined

Fabry-Perot interferometer (Fraunhofer-ENAS) – Check gas quality Micro GC systems (Un. Of Michigan, VSLI) Examples of applications of MEMS (I)

Energy harvesting – Piezoelectric harvester (Un. Of Michigan) Robot equipped with sensors (Kiwa, Un. of Twente) Integrated Micro Wobbe-meter (Un. Of Twente, follows this afternoon) Examples of applications of MEMS (II)

Proposal for follow up project launched in gerg pc 3 in 2012: – Odorant level meter – Calorific value meter – Energy harvesting Work programme: Discussion with developers and manufacturers Set up specifications (user side) Market analysis and cost estimate (businessplan) Proposal for development Status: idle Follow up

MEMS is a mean and not a goal MEMS should comply with the company strategy Manufacturers and developers can make everything, but they donot know the needs of the gas industry Make the grid smarter, safer and improve quality – Determine gas quality all over the grid – Detect leakages, damage, condensate drop out etc. – Determine gas losses in the grid Save costs – Detect failures at an early stage – Save repair costs by inspection on site – Save labour costs Finally: some statements