WO2019142100A1

WO2019142100A1 - Remote monitoring gas detection system

Info

Publication number: WO2019142100A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/050319
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fraser MATHIESON; Andrew Glendinning; Crawford MASSIE; Nigel DICK
Original assignee: Gas Measurement Instruments Ltd
Current assignee: Gas Measurement Instruments Ltd
Priority date: 2018-01-19
Filing date: 2019-01-15
Publication date: 2019-07-25
Anticipated expiration: 2020-07-19

Abstract

A system for underground gas detection is provided. The system includes at least one wireless sensor positionable within a respective bar hole. Each wireless sensor includes a sensor configured to detect gas, a sensor processing circuitry configured to generate sensor data based on the detected gas and cause transmission of the sensor data to a probe node, and a housing having a gas permeable inlet and outlet configured to allows gas to pass through the housing and prevent water from passing through the housing. The sensor being positioned within the housing. The system includes a probe node configured for wireless communication with at least one of the at least one wireless sensor. The probe node includes node processing circuitry configured to: receive sensor data from the at least one of the at least one wireless sensor, process the sensor data, and trigger at least one action if the sensor data meets a predefined threshold.

Description

REMOTE MONITORING GAS DETECTION SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method and system for monitoring gas leaks from underground pipelines.

INTRODUCTION

[0002] Buried pipes are used to transport gas or other fluids over various distances in rural and city locations. For example, gas pipes are buried underneath the ground along city streets, among other places. A bar hole survey is used to monitor for gas leaks from the gas pipe. A bar hole survey is where a series of holes are made in the ground at periodic intervals along the route of a buried gas pipe. The atmosphere inside the holes is measured using a gas detection instrument such as a manually operated infrared gas detection device as is known in the art.

[0003] The results of the bar hole survey are used to determine whether a leak is present in a nearby pipe, and if so, the severity of the leak. A risk score is calculated for the leak based on the results of the bar hole survey. For example, the risk score is calculated using the measured gas concentration and/or one or more other factors such as proximity to buildings, proximity to cellars, etc.

[0004] There are implications if a high risk leak is measured. For example, buildings may need to be evacuated, roads may need to be closed, and evacuation work carried out to repair the leak, among other actions. However, it may be the case that a leak is detected where the risk score does not indicate an immediate danger, i.e., does not meet a predefined risk score threshold. In this case, monitoring of the leak over a period of time may be the preferred option. The existing method of leak detection is for an engineer to return to the same site of the leak over a period of days or weeks and repeat the manual survey using the same bar holes already made in the ground. The risk score is updated after each new survey is conducted. SUMMARY

[0005] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a system for underground gas detection is provided. The system includes at least one wireless sensor positionable within a respective bar hole. Each wireless sensor includes a sensor configured to detect gas, a sensor processing circuitry configured to generate sensor data based on the detected gas and cause transmission of the sensor data to a probe node, and a housing having a gas permeable inlet and outlet configured to allows gas to pass through the housing and prevent water from passing through the housing. The sensor is positioned within the housing. The system includes a probe node configured for wireless communication with the at least one of the at least one wireless sensor. The probe node includes node processing circuitry configured to: receive sensor data from the at least one of the at least one wireless sensor, process the sensor data, and trigger at least one action if the sensor data meets a predefined threshold.

[0006] According to one embodiment of this aspect, each wireless sensor includes a battery configured to power the wireless sensor. According to one embodiment of this aspect, the sensor data includes a battery status of the at least one of the at least one wireless sensor. According to one embodiment of this aspect, the node processing circuitry is further configured to calculate a risk score based on a plurality of sensor parameters associated with the sensor data received from at least one of the at least one wireless sensor.

[0007] According to one embodiment of this aspect, the plurality of sensor parameters include at least one taken from a group consisting of a location of at least one of the at least one wireless device and quantity of gas detected by at least one of the at least one wireless sensor. According to one embodiment of this aspect, the system includes a plurality of securing elements. Each securing element is configured to secure the respective housing within the bar hole. According to one embodiment of this aspect, each housing is configured to float on the water.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this aspect, the sensor data includes a global positioning system (GPS) location of the at least one of the at least one wireless sensor. According to one embodiment of this aspect, the node processing circuitry is configured to communicate a command to the at least one of the at least one wireless sensor. The command is configured to cause the at least one of the at least one wireless sensor to transmit respective sensor data. According to one embodiment of this aspect, the probe node is positioned in a predefined location from the bar holes for a predefined amount of time.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this aspect, probe node is positioned in vehicle that is moving during the reception of the sensor data from the at least one of the at least one wireless sensor. According to one embodiment of this aspect, the gas is hydrocarbon gas. According to one embodiment of this aspect, the transmission of the sensor data to the probe node occurs if sensor processing circuitry determines the sensor data meets at least one predefined criterion.

[0010] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a wireless sensor positionable within a bar hole is provided. The wireless sensor configured for communication with a probe node. The wireless sensor includes a housing having a gas permeable inlet and outlet configured to allows gas to pass through the housing and prevents water from passing through the housing. A sensor is positioned within the housing. The sensor is configured to detect gas. The wireless sensor includes sensor processing circuitry configured to: generate sensor data based on the detected gas and cause transmission of the sensor data.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this aspect, a battery configured to power the wireless sensor. According to one embodiment of this aspect, the sensor data includes a battery status of the wireless sensor. According to one embodiment of this aspect, the housing is configured to float on the water. According to one embodiment of this aspect, the sensor data includes a global positioning system (GPS) location of the wireless sensor.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this aspect, the sensor processing circuitry is configured to cause transmission of the sensor data to a probe node in response to receiving a command from the probe node. According to one embodiment of this aspect, the sensor processing circuitry is configured to cause transmission of the sensor data to the probe node in response to determining the sensor data meets at least one predefined criterion. According to one embodiment of this aspect, the gas is hydrocarbon gas.

[0013] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method for a wireless sensor positionable within a bar hole. The wireless sensor configured for communication with a probe node. The wireless sensor includes a housing having a gas permeable inlet and outlet. Gas is detected. Sensor data is generated based on the detected gas. Transmission of the sensor.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this aspect, the sensor data includes a global positioning system (GPS) location of the wireless sensor. According to one embodiment of this aspect, transmission of the sensor data to the probe node is caused in response to receiving a command from the probe node. According to one embodiment of this aspect, transmission of the sensor data to the probe node is caused in response to determining the sensor data meets at least one predefined criterion. According to one embodiment of this aspect, the gas is hydrocarbon gas. [0015] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a system for underground gas detection is provided. At least one wireless device positionable within a respective bar hole is provided. Each wireless sensor includes a sensor configured to detect gas, sensor data module configured to generate sensor data based on the detected gas, a transmission module configured to cause transmission of the sensor data to a probe node, and a housing having a gas permeable inlet and outlet configured to: allows gas to pass through the housing and prevent water from passing through the housing. The sensor is positioned within the housing. The probe node configured for wireless communication with at least one of the at least one wireless sensor. The probe node includes a reception module configured to receive sensor data from at least one of the at least one wireless sensor, a sensor processing module configured to process the sensor data, and a triggering module configured to trigger at least one action if the sensor data meets a predefined threshold.

[0016] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a wireless sensor for positioning within bar hole is provided. The wireless sensor is in communication with a probe node. The wireless sensor includes a housing having a gas permeable inlet and outlet configured to allow gas to pass through the housing and prevent water from passing through the housing. The sensor being positioned within the housing. The sensor configured to detect gas. The wireless sensor including a sensor data module configured to generate sensor data based on the detected gas and a transmission module configured to cause transmission of the sensor data to a probe node.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] A more complete understanding of embodiments described herein, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0018] FIG. l is a block diagram of a system for monitoring gas leaks from underground pipelines in accordance with the principles of the disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an exemplary sensor data process of sensor data code in accordance with the principles of the disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an example analysis process of analysis code in accordance with the principles of the disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example system located in an environment in accordance with the principles of the disclosure; [0022] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of another example of wireless sensor in accordance with the principles of the disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of another example of probe node in accordance with the principles of the disclosure; and

[0024] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of another example of system in according with the principles of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] There are various limitations and problems with the existing method for gas leak detection. In particular, repeated site visits by an engineer or work to take manual measurements using the same bar holes is costly and time consuming. Further, the engineer may not even be aware of the past measurements if a different engineer took the previous measurements. Therefore, any trends in measurements may not be immediately obvious to the engineer. If the monitoring is conducted over a long period of time, the holes may become filed with debris, thereby hindering future measurement as the engineer has to manual place sensors in the bar holes during each visit. Further, there may be an inconsistent measurement process such as if various engineers take measurements over a period of time where each engineer performs the survey differently.

[0026] The instant disclosure solves the problems with existing systems at least in part by providing a wireless remote bar hole monitoring system for monitoring gas leaks such as from underground pipes.

[0027] Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components and processing steps related to methods and power air purifying respirator system. Accordingly, components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0028] As used herein, relational terms, such as“first,”“second,”“top” and“bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singular forms“a”,“an” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises,”“comprising,”“includes” and/or“including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0030] In embodiments described herein, the joining term,“in communication with” and the like, may be used to indicate electrical or data communication, which may be accomplished by physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling or optical signaling, for example. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that multiple components may interoperate and modifications and variations are possible of achieving the electrical and data communication.

[0031] Referring now to drawing figures in which like reference designators refer to like elements there is shown in FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for monitoring gas leaks from underground pipelines in accordance with the principles of the disclosure, generally referred to as system“10.” System 10 includes one or more wireless sensors l2a-l2n in communication with one or more probe nodes 14 via one or more communication links using one or more communication protocols such as BLUETOOTH, Wi-Fi, radio frequency (e.g., key fob), communication protocol with a range of approximately 100 ft. (low power), an IEEE 802 compliant protocol, etc. One or more of wireless sensors l2a-l2n are referred to generally as wireless sensor 12.

[0032] Wireless sensor 12 includes one or more transmitters 16 and one or more receivers 18 for communicating with one or more of probe node 14, other wireless sensors 12, among other entities in system 10. Wireless sensor 12 includes one or more sensors 19. In one or more embodiments, sensor 19 is configured to detect gas such as hydrocarbon gas. Sensor 19 may include other sensor types for measuring and/or detecting one or more environmental conditions.

[0033] Wireless sensor 12 includes processing circuitry 20. Processing circuitry 20 includes processor 22 and memory 24. In addition to a traditional processor and memory, processing circuitry 20 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and/or control, e.g., one or more processors and/or processor cores and/or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry). Processor 22 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and/or reading from) memory 24, which may comprise any kind of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and/or buffer memory and/or RAM (Random Access Memory) and/or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and/or optical memory and/or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). Such memory 24 may be configured to store code executable by processor 22 and/or other data, e.g., sensor data and/or data pertaining to communication, e.g., configuration and/or address data of nodes, etc.

[0034] Processing circuitry 20 may be configured to control any of the methods and/or processes described herein and/or to cause such methods, signaling and/or processes to be performed, e.g., by wireless sensor 12. Processor 22 corresponds to one or more processors 22 for performing wireless sensor 12 functions described herein. Wireless sensor 12 includes memory 24 that is configured to store data, programmatic software code and/or other information described herein. In one or more embodiment, memory 25 includes at least one criterion 25 for performing an action (e.g., for triggering transmission of sensor data). For example, in one or more embodiments, criterion 25 defines one or more predefined vales for triggering transmission of sensor data if the sensor data meets the one or more predefined values.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, memory 24 is configured to store sensor data code 26. For example, sensor data code 26 includes instructions that, when executed by processor 22, causes processor 22 to perform the functions described herein such as the functions described with respect to FIG. 2. In one or more embodiments, wireless sensor 12 includes battery 27 that is configured to power wireless sensor 12. In one or more embodiments, battery 27 is a coin battery, AAA battery or AA battery. In one or more embodiments, wireless sensor 12 is a solar powered battery.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, wireless sensor 12 includes a housing having a gas permeable inlet 40 and outlet 42 such that gas rising up through the ground below the probe is detected as the gas passes through. In one embodiment, the gas permeable inlet 40 and outlet 42 are made from a hydrophobic membrane having these material properties. In other words, the housing is configured to: allow gas to pass through the housing and to prevent water from passing through the housing. Each wireless sensor 12 is positioned within a respective housing. In one or more embodiments, the housing of wireless sensor 12 is configured to float in a fluid such as water. In one or more embodiments, the housing is a sleeve or lock insertion housing such that may or may not float in water. In one or more embodiments, wireless sensor 12 is a wireless bar hole probe for measuring hydrocarbon gas. In one or more embodiments, the housing of wireless sensor 12 is a cylindrical shape. In one or more embodiments, wireless sensor 12 is configured to transmit sensor data to one or more servers in a network or cloud as illustrated in FIG. 7, either through probe node 14 or by bypassing probe node 14.

[0037] Probe node 14 includes one or more transmitters 28 and one or more receivers 30 for communicating with one or more of wireless sensors 12 and other probe nodes 14, among other entities in system 10. Probe node 14 includes processing circuitry 32. Processing circuitry 32 includes processor 34 and memory 36. In addition to a traditional processor and memory, processing circuitry 32 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and/or control, e.g., one or more processors and/or processor cores and/or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry). Processor 34 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and/or reading from) memory 36, which may comprise any kind of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and/or buffer memory and/or RAM (Random Access Memory) and/or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and/or optical memory and/or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). Such memory 36 may be configured to store code executable by processor 34 and/or other data, e.g., data pertaining to communication, e.g., configuration and/or address data of nodes, etc.

[0038] Processing circuitry 32 may be configured to control any of the methods and/or processes described herein and/or to cause such methods, signaling and/or processes to be performed, e.g., by probe node 14. Processor 34 corresponds to one or more processors 34 for performing probe node 14 functions described herein. Probe node 14 includes memory 36 that is configured to store data, programmatic software code and/or other information described herein. In one or more embodiments, memory 36 is configured to store analysis code 38. For example, analysis code 38 includes instructions that, when executed by processor 34, causes processor 34 to perform the functions described herein such as the functions described with respect to FIG. 3. In one or more embodiments, probe node 14 is a central base station that receives sensor data and/or other data from wireless sensors 12, and transmits such data to one or more servers. In one or more embodiments, the analysis process of analysis code 38 may be performed by one or more servers.

[0039] Although embodiments are described herein with reference to certain functions being performed by wireless sensor 12 and/or probe node 14, it is understood that the functions can be performed in other elements. It is also understood that the functions of the wireless sensor 12 and/or probe node 14 can be distributed across the network cloud, such as the Internet or access network backhaul network, so that other nodes can perform one or more functions or even parts of functions described herein.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an exemplary sensor data process of sensor data code 26 in accordance with the principles of the disclosure. Processing circuitry 20 is configured to generate sensor data based on detected gas (Block S100). For example, wireless sensor 12 detect a quantity of gas using sensor 19 in which processing circuitry 20 generates sensor data based on the detected gas. In one or more embodiments, the sensor data includes at least one taken from a group consisting of measurement value(s), time and/or date stamp(s) of measurement(s) and other characteristics of the measurements. In one or more embodiments, the sensor data further includes at least one taken from a group consisting of a global positioning system (GPS) location of wireless sensor 12, one or more unique identifiers associated with wireless sensor 12, battery status (e.g., value of battery left, battery life, etc.), among other information that may be processed by probe node 14. In one or more embodiments, probe node 14 adds GPS data to sensor data such that wireless sensor 12 does not have to provide GPS data, thereby avoiding rapid depletion of wireless sensor 12’ s battery due to GPS data determinations.

[0041] Processing circuitry 20 is configured to cause transmission of the sensor (Block S102). For example, in one embodiment, wireless sensor 12 determines that the sensor data meets the at least one predefined criterion such that wireless sensor 12 triggers the transmission of the sensor data. In one or more embodiments, the at least one criterion defines a time for triggering transmission of sensor data such as for periodic transmission and/or variable transmission times. In one or more embodiments, transmission of sensor data is caused by a configured timeout or timeout command. In one or more embodiments, the at least one criterion includes reception of a predefined command from probe node 14 such as if probe node 14 is polling wireless sensor 12 to obtain sensor data. In one or more embodiments, probe node 14 periodically polls wireless sensor 12 to obtain sensor data. In one or more embodiments, the sensor data is transmitted to probe node 14, cloud and/or a central monitoring facility for processing.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an example analysis process of analysis code 38 in accordance with the principles of the disclosure. Processing circuitry 32 is configured to receive sensor data from the plurality of wireless sensors (Block S104). For example, in one or more embodiments, probe node 14 transmits or communicates a command to one or more wireless sensors 12 that triggers or causes the one or more wireless sensors 12 to transmit respective sensor data to probe node 14.

[0043] Processing circuitry 32 processes the sensor data (Block S106). For example, processing circuitry 32 processes the sensor data to calculate a risk score and/or compare one or more values of the sensor data with one or more predefined thresholds. In one or more embodiments, the risk score is calculated based on a plurality of sensor parameters associated with the sensor data received from at least one of the plurality of wireless sensors 12. The plurality of sensor parameter may include one or more of the following: measured gas concentration, location of the sensor, quantity of gas detected by wireless sensor 12 and/or one or more other factors such as proximity to buildings, proximity to cellars, etc. In one or more embodiments, the analysis process continually or periodically calculates risk scores based on wireless sensors 12 associated with a particular site or location to determine trends in the risk score over time and location (predicting if the leak at the site will become dangerous and need attention). In one or more embodiments, the analysis process triggers alarms if the risk level increases. In one or more embodiments, the analysis process of analysis code 38 determines the approximate location of the leak in relation to the multiple wireless sensors 12 at the site. In other words, analysis code 38 is used to pinpoint which of the wireless sensors detects the leak that triggers the alarm.

[0044] Processing circuitry 32 triggers at least one action based on the sensor data such as if the sensor data meets a predefined threshold (Block S108). For example, in one or more embodiments, processing circuitry 32 triggers one or more messages or communications to be send to a backend system and/or cloud computing system for further reporting. In one embodiment, processing circuitry 32 can trigger one or more audio and/or visual alarms proximate or included with probe node 14 such as to provide a warning to people proximate probe node 14. In one or more embodiments, probe node 14 communicates an alarm message to one or more predefined entities such as first responders based on the sensor data, i.e., if a high quantity of gas is detected or if some other at least one criterion is met.

[0045] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example system 10 located in an environment in accordance with the principles of the disclosure. Wireless sensors l2a-l2n are positioned within respective holes 46 (e.g., bar hole 46) of ground 44. The spacing between holes 46 may be a matter of design need. Wireless sensors 12a- 12h are positioned proximate pipe 48 such that gas leaks 52 from pipe 48 can be detected. Wireless sensors 12a- 12h communicate with probe node 14 via one or more communication links using one or more communication protocols. In this example, probe node 14 is mounted on post 50 that can be a street lamp post such that probe node is positioned in a predefined location from the respective underground holes 46 such as for a predefined amount of time. In another example, probe node 14 is positioned in a vehicle that is configured to move proximate holes 46. For example, a person can place probe node 14 in a vehicle and can drive proximate the holes 46 in order to gather data, i.e., probe node 14 sends commands to wireless sensors 12 to transmit sensor data as probe node 14, in the vehicle, is moved proximate holes 46/wireless sensors 12.

[0046] In one example, pipe 48 has a gas leak 52 that is proximate wireless sensor 12h such that wireless sensor 12h may detect a larger quantity of gas than wireless sensor l2a, as indicated in the sensor data. In one or more embodiments, a plurality of securing elements are provided to secure the housing of respective wireless sensors 12 within the underground hole.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of another example of wireless sensor 12 in accordance with the principles of the disclosure. Wireless sensor 12 includes sensor data module 54 that is configured to generate sensor data based on the detected gas as described herein. Wireless sensor 12 includes transmission module 56 that is configured to cause transmission of the sensor data to probe node 14. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of another example of probe node 14 in accordance with the principles of the disclosure. Probe node 14 includes reception module 58 that is configured to receive sensor data from the plurality of wireless sensors 12, as described herein. Probe node 14 includes sensor processing module 60 that is configured to process sensor data, as described herein. Probe node 14 includes triggering module 62 that is configured to trigger at least one action if the sensor data does not meet a predefined threshold, as described herein.

[0048] FIG. 7 is another example of system 10 in accordance with the principles of the disclosure. In one or more embodiments, one or more wireless sensors 12 and/or one or more probe nodes 14 are configured to communicate with network cloud 64 and/or central monitoring facility 66. For example, in one or more embodiments, wireless sensor 12 is configured to transmit sensor data to network cloud 64, central monitoring facility 66 and/or other entities in system 10, for analysis, storage and/or to perform other functions. In one or more embodiments, probe node 14 is configured to transmit sensors data, at least one message (e.g., alarm message) and/or other information to network cloud 64 and/or central monitoring facility, among to other entities in system 10.

[0049] As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the concepts described herein may be embodied as a method, wireless senor, system and probe node. Accordingly, the concepts described herein may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects all generally referred to herein as a“circuit” or“module.” Furthermore, the disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a tangible computer usable storage medium having computer program code embodied in the medium that can be executed by a computer. Any suitable tangible computer readable medium may be utilized including hard disks, CD- ROMs, electronic storage devices, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

[0050] Some embodiments are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, systems and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer (to thereby create a special purpose computer), special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

[0051] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable memory or storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

[0052] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

[0053] It is to be understood that the functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the operational illustrations. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Although some of the diagrams include arrows on communication paths to show a primary direction of communication, it is to be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to the depicted arrows. [0054] Computer program code for carrying out operations of the concepts described herein may be written in an object-oriented programming language such as Java® or C++. However, the computer program code for carrying out operations of the disclosure may also be written in conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0055] Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

[0056] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein are not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.

Claims

Claims:

1. A system for underground gas detection, comprising:

at least one wireless sensor positionable within a respective bar hole, each wireless sensor including:

a sensor configured to detect gas;

a sensor processing circuitry configured to generate sensor data based on the detected gas and cause transmission of the sensor data to a probe node;

a housing having a gas permeable inlet and outlet configured to:

allows gas to pass through the housing;

prevent water from passing through the housing; and

the sensor being positioned within the housing;

a probe node configured for wireless communication with at least one of the at least one wireless sensor, the probe node including node processing circuitry configured to:

receive sensor data from the at least one of the at least one wireless sensor; process the sensor data; and

trigger at least one action if the sensor data meets a predefined threshold.

2. The system of Claim 1, wherein each wireless sensor includes a battery configured to power the wireless sensor.

3. The system of Claim 2, wherein the sensor data includes a battery status of the at least one of the at least one wireless sensor.

4. The system of Claim 1, wherein the node processing circuitry is further configured to calculate a risk score based on a plurality of sensor parameters associated with the sensor data received from at least one of the at least one wireless sensor.

5. The system of Claim 4, wherein the plurality of sensor parameters includes at least one taken from a group consisting of a location of at least one of the at least one wireless sensor and quantity of gas detected by at least one of the at least one wireless sensor.

6. The system of Claim 1, further comprising a plurality of securing elements, each securing element configured to secure the respective housing within the bar hole.

7. The system of Claim 1, wherein each housing is configured to float on the water.

8. The system of Claim 1, wherein the sensor data includes a global positioning system (GPS) location of the at least one of the at least one wireless sensor.

9. The system of Claim 1, wherein the node processing circuitry is configured to communicate a command to the at least one of the at least one wireless sensor, the command configured to cause the at least one of the at least one wireless sensor to transmit respective sensor data.

10. The system of Claim 1, wherein the probe node is positioned in a predefined location from the bar holes for a predefined amount of time.

11. The system of Claim 1, wherein the probe node is positioned in vehicle that is moving during the receiving of the sensor data from the at least one of the at least one wireless sensor.

12. The system of Claim 1, wherein the gas is hydrocarbon gas.

13. The system of Claim 1, wherein the transmission of the sensor data to the probe node occurs if sensor processing circuitry determines the sensor data meets at least one predefined criterion.

14. A wireless sensor positionable within a bar hole, the wireless sensor configured for communication with a probe node, the wireless sensor comprising:

a housing having a gas permeable inlet and outlet configured to:

allows gas to pass through the housing;

prevent water from passing through the housing; and

a sensor being positioned within the housing, the sensor configured to detect gas; and sensor processing circuitry configured to:

generate sensor data based on the detected gas; and

cause transmission of the sensor data.

15. The wireless sensor of Claim 14, further comprising a battery configured to power the wireless sensor.

16. The wireless sensor of Claim 14, wherein the sensor data includes a battery status of the wireless sensor.

17. The wireless sensor of Claim 14, wherein the housing is configured to float on the water.

18. The wireless sensor of Claim 14, wherein the sensor data includes a global positioning system (GPS) location of the wireless sensor.

19. The wireless sensor of Claim 14, wherein the sensor processing circuitry is configured to cause transmission of the sensor data to a probe node in response to receiving a command from the probe node.

20. The wireless sensor of Claim 14, wherein the sensor processing circuitry is configured to cause transmission of the sensor data to the probe node in response to determining the sensor data meets at least one predefined criterion.

21. The wireless sensor of Claim 14, wherein the gas is hydrocarbon gas.

22. A method for a wireless sensor positionable within a bar hole, the wireless sensor configured for communication with a probe node, the wireless sensor including a housing having a gas permeable inlet and outlet, the method comprising:

detecting gas;

generating sensor data based on the detected gas; and

causing transmission of the sensor data.

23. The method of Claim 22, wherein the sensor data includes a global positioning system (GPS) location of the wireless sensor.

24. The method of Claim 22, further comprising causing transmission of the sensor data to the probe node in response to receiving a command from the probe node.

25. The method of Claim 22, further comprising causing transmission of the sensor data to the probe node in response to determining the sensor data meets at least one predefined criterion.

26. The method of Claim 22, wherein the gas is hydrocarbon gas.

27. A system for underground gas detection, comprising:

a sensor configured to detect gas;

sensor data module configured to generate sensor data based on the detected gas;

a transmission module configured to cause transmission of the sensor data to a probe node;

a housing having a gas permeable inlet and outlet configured to:

allows gas to pass through the housing;

prevent water from passing through the housing; and

the sensor being positioned within the housing;

the probe node configured for wireless communication with at least one of the at least one wireless sensor, the probe node including:

a reception module configured to receive sensor data from at least one of the at least one wireless sensor;

a sensor processing module configured to process the sensor data; and a triggering module configured to trigger at least one action if the sensor meets a predefined threshold.

28. A wireless sensor for positioning within an underground hole, the wireless sensor being in communication with a probe node, the wireless sensor comprising:

a housing having a gas permeable inlet and outlet configured to:

allows gas to pass through the housing;

prevent water from passing through the housing; and

a sensor being positioned within the housing; and

the sensor configured to detect gas; and a sensor data module configured to generate sensor data based on the detected gas; and

a transmission module configured to cause transmission of the sensor data to a probe node.