In leak inspection operations, we have significantly increased the inspection speed by replacing the current cart-type semiconductor detector, which is used while walking, with an ultra-sensitive laser spectroscopy detector mounted on vehicles and bicycles. Furthermore, by introducing a dedicated navigation system to support vehicle-based inspections, we have automated the clerical and auxiliary tasks that were previously performed by people. These measures have enabled us to solve the shortage of manpower due to the efficiency improvement of inspection operations.
Approximately 20,000 km of gas pipes buried under roads are inspected annually using cart-type gas detectors.
An operator walks along a road under which gas pipes are buried while pushing a cart-type detector.
When a leak is detected, the operator calls the department which accepts gas leak reports to inform them of the situation and request a response.
During inspection, the inspection staff carries drawings output from the pipeline mapping system and checks the gas pipe locations subject to inspection. Inspected routes are marked using a pen as needed while walking.
The tubes at the front of the vehicle and bicycle draw in air from the ground surface, and the ultra-sensitive laser spectroscopy detector inside the vehicle checks for the presence of gas. The vehicle is equipped with GPS and an anemometer, and when gas is detected, the leak location is displayed on the system.
The generation of the inspection route and navigation during driving are performed by the dedicated navigation system. It is also possible to record and output the inspected route.
