UK energy from waste operator enfinium has rolled out ultrasonic leak detection sensors, also used on the International Space Station, across its five operational facilities in a move aimed at reducing emissions and improving plant efficiency.
enfinium has introduced ultrasonic gas leak detection technology used by NASA astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) across all five of its operational Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities in the UK.
The company confirmed that Swiss-manufactured Distran Ultra Pro Max sensors are now in use at its sites in West Yorkshire, Kent and Flintshire. The handheld devices use ultrasonic imaging to detect and visualise gas leaks in real time, overlaying acoustic data onto an optical image to pinpoint their precise location.
According to enfinium, the technology is intended to support efforts to reduce emissions, minimise downtime and maintain safe, consistent operations. The sensors are capable of identifying leaks involving gases such as steam, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and hydrogen (H2), including within flue gas handling systems used during the processing of unrecyclable waste.
The company said the equipment is also used to detect vacuum leaks in systems operating under negative pressure. Such leaks can draw unwanted air into the flue gas path, potentially forcing equipment such as induced draft fans to work harder and reducing overall plant efficiency.
The same technology is deployed on the ISS to help astronauts pinpoint gas leaks and maintain cabin pressure, and is used more widely in the energy, refining and chemical engineering sectors.
The technology allows us to quickly and efficiently survey widespread areas to pinpoint precisely where leaks appear in our operations, allowing us to safely and effectively address the issue.
enfinium operates five EfW plants that collectively process around 2.7 million tonnes of unrecyclable waste each year, generating enough energy to power approximately 600,000 UK homes. The company said the leak detection technology plays a role in reducing fugitive emissions and forms part of a broader strategy to leverage advanced technologies across its operations.
Energy from waste facilities divert residual waste from landfill, which generates nearly twice the amount of climate-warming emissions, according to statistical information referenced in the release.
Adam Nicholson, Asset Management Director at enfinium, said: “Distran sensors, used across all our sites, are an important element of our work to reduce emissions and deliver efficient waste management.
“The technology allows us to quickly and efficiently survey widespread areas to pinpoint precisely where leaks appear in our operations, allowing us to safely and effectively address the issue.
“This ensures reliability, efficiency and continuity of service, delivering on our mission to provide sustainable solutions to the UK’s waste whilst reducing carbon emissions.”
Distran, founded in Zurich in 2013, developed what it describes as the world’s first ultrasonic camera and currently distributes its technology in more than 43 countries.
