Wireless Methane Odorant Detector

This project aims to improve natural gas leak detection for over 3.5 million people with acute smell disorders e.g. anosmia. Traditional methane sensors require high power, limiting placement. The legally required odorant (80% tert-butyl mercaptan and 20% dimethyl sulphide) will continue as the UK transitions to hydrogen or blends, necessitating re-calibration of detectors.

Our solution is an odorant-based gas detector using a custom ultra-low power electrochemical sensor to measure TBM. These sensors operate for over 10 years on a sealed lithium-ion battery, detecting TBM from 20-30ppb (below our smell threshold) up to 1,500ppb (20% of the Lower Explosion Level), ensuring early warning of gas leaks.

With no natural sources of TBM, false positives are eliminated. The Sensor is ‘hydrogen ready,’ maintaining consistent odorant levels during the transition to hydrogen or blends, accurately notifying of gas leakage without reconfiguration.