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Picarro

Innovation in Gas Network Monitoring

CRDS Picarro equipment represents one of the most advanced technologies available today for gas network monitoring. The system utilizes cutting-edge detection technology, delivering substantial advantages over traditional methods, including enhanced sensitivity and precision in analyses, faster execution times, and wider area coverage.

Picarro and CRDS Technology

The cutting-edge Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) technology facilitates gas leak detection and proactive monitoring of natural gas distribution networks. Integrated into Picarro Surveyor vehicles, this advanced system achieves sensitivity up to three orders of magnitude greater than conventional instruments (measuring in parts per billion rather than parts per million). This allows for the monitoring of significantly larger areas—up to 150 meters wide under optimal conditions, compared to just 5–6 meters with traditional technologies. Additionally, it extends the analysis to aerial sections of distribution systems, which are inaccessible with conventional methods.

The system detects both methane and ethane, delivering more precise data on the composition of the detected gas. This capability enables differentiation between biogenic gas sources and leaks within the distribution network, significantly minimizing the risk of interference or false positives.

Moreover, the system integrates wind direction and speed data with georeferenced information, allowing for a more accurate identification of leak origins. Enhancing these monitoring capabilities, the Picarro Backpack— a mobile device —enables detailed inspections and validation of vehicle analyses directly in the field, ensuring precise identification of the exact leak source.

Un auto Italgas Picarro per la ricerca delle dispersioni gas parcheggiata con la portiera aperta

Advantages and Benefits
  • Cost Reduction

    Emergency callouts reduced by up to 50%.
  • Increased Sustainability

    Optimization of resources and reduced environmental impact.
  • Efficiency and Safety

    Faster inspections, broader monitored areas, prioritized interventions, and optimal network management.
    La puntata di VIP Very Italgas People dove viene intervistato un tecnico Italgas che spiega come funziona il sistema Picarro.
    • Auto Italgas Picarro parcheggiata, con uno sfondo di palme e una scogliera con un edificio in cima e il cielo azzurro.
    • Tecnico Italgas utilizza la lancia dello zaino Picarro per verificare dispersioni di gas su una strada acciottolata.
    • Particolare di attrezzatura Picarro montata sul tetto di una vettura.
    • Veicolo Italgas con attrezzatura Picarro sul tetto, parcheggiato in un centro storico in Italia.
    • Auto Italgas con attrezzatura Picarro per il rilevamento delle dispersioni gas con due persone a bordo, sullo sfondo il porto della città.
    • Tecnico Italgas accovacciato utilizza la lancia dello zaino Picarro per controllare dispersioni di gas all'interno di un vano contatore. In mano ha un tablet per controllare i dati.

      Italgas and Picarro

      Italgas boasts the world’s largest fleet of Picarro devices—expected to include 42 vehicles and 117 Backpacks by 2025—and a team of approximately 500 professionals dedicated to efficiently managing all signals generated through this advanced technology, ensuring the safety of its distribution system. The company, however, places a strong emphasis on addressing “super emitters,” high-flow gas leaks that pose a particularly significant environmental impact.
      This targeted approach has already produced significant results, these results stem from the predictive maintenance model applied to distribution networks:

      • - 62%

        third-party calls reporting gas leaks from 2017 to 2023.

      • - 83%

        methane emissions compared to 2015, with a consistent reduction trend since 2018, thanks to the adoption of the LDAR (Leak Detection and Repair) program based on CRDS Picarro technology.

      Technology for Emission Reduction

      Innovation lies at the core of Italgas' operations. In partnership with Politecnico di Torino, the company works to identify and develop advanced technologies, such as drones and satellites, to enhance its monitoring processes, particularly for network segments that are otherwise inaccessible using conventional methods. Furthermore, Italgas plays an active role in international organizations like OGMP and IMEO, positioning itself as a leading player in the industry and driving the adoption of best practices for methane emission reduction across Europe.