A quick ground gas survey might be enough to establish a level of risk at a site, but having insight into all variables is the only way to ensure true understanding. At GGS, we have developed technology that does not make sweeping assumptions. Instead, our Gas Sentinel® can produce specific and measurable data of ground gas concentrations to establish multiple lines of evidence for incorporating into a definitive risk assessment.
For us, it’s key that our monitoring units avoid a broad-spectrum approach to measuring ground gas risk. Here, we explore the benefits of assessing variables and why, as well as committing to evolving technology, an adaptable methodology is at the heart of our projects.
The origins of the Gas Sentinel®
As a team of geo-environmental experts, we apply our enhanced knowledge to our technology. This led to the development of a sophisticated monitoring tool that can differentiate and quantify variables in a relatively short timeframe and provide a comprehensive understanding of the ground gas regime.
Our solution had to be innovative, which meant taking time to research a refined and reliable solution that could measure several gas and environmental parameters with robust and reliable data over several weeks within challenging environmental conditions.
Research outcomes – our Gas Sentinel®
As a result of the research, GGS created a data logging device that creates insight to variations in ground gas behaviour, through a bespoke approach.
The Gas Sentinel® has high resolution and interchangeable gas sensors that can measure selected gases and their concentrations over a set frequency- It measures high-quality data for bulk or trace gases including methane, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, oxygen, hydrogen sulphide, TVOC and hydrogen.
On top of the sensor range is a dynamic flow sensor capable of providing accurate flow rates including calculated volumetric quantification. These can be tied in with onboard environmental parameters including temperature, humidity and pressure, and with the aid of a groundwater sonde, parameters for water level, temperature and conductivity can also be included where required.
The instrument also has telemetry capability to feed live data to where you need it via our configurable Unity® Platform, where time critical decisions are needed, such as on-site H&S exposure compliance or early warning of gas changes at compliance monitoring wells.
Considering multiple parameters
We are team of experienced geo-environmental scientists and so we know that a broad-spectrum piece of kit alone doesn’t capture the full picture, with the data requiring follow on interpretation to fully understand the site conceptual model. Utilising multiple lines of evidence with additional monitoring methodologies allows us to generate a full picture for your site, and further advise on risk mitigation.
In a situation where the environmental behaviours need to be understood, we deploy our advanced technology to assess the impact of different parameters that drive ground-gases, such as atmospheric pressure or water level changes, to gain a comprehensive picture of the ground gas regime. High quality data can be collected over a short deployment period with our tools too, which can speed up data collection which can be a lengthy process with traditional methods.
With regards to ground-gases, uncertainties can be imperative and with our interchangeable sensors, we can measure the same parameter on multiple independent channels to improve confidence in the data.
The importance of proving the negative
We know measuring variations in the environment is key but the main outcome is to establish risk using multiple lines of evidence. In the context of the Gas Sentinel®, we know lots of factors can influence the variation in the ground-gas regime, and we can determine with confidence whether hazardous gases are exceeding certain thresholds, allowing important decisions to be made with confidence.
For example, methane concentration may fluctuate overtime, but by proving the negative we can show repeatability of methane concentrations as they change . Our Gas Sentinel® uses continuous flow monitoring to account for these kinds of changes in an environment.
Industries where understanding variability is key
We work with clients covering a variety of industries including consultants, property developers and more. For many industries, being equipped with the knowledge and expertise that our Gas Sentinel® provides is essential. When built environments are going to be used by the public, it’s especially key as mistakes are not just costly, but they can be dangerous.
In the case of contaminated land, compliance can be an ongoing process which is why it’s necessary to track and measure all variables. We work with many clients, offering landfill gas monitoring to ensure they are compliant. When it comes to building near historic landfill sites, collecting accurate data, determining the drivers and understanding the ground gas regime is crucial to mitigate any potential problems.
Learn more about the Gas Sentinel by getting in touch with us
The Gas Sentinel® is an advanced technology that has completely transformed our risk assessment process. Not only can we measure the immediate, but we also consider changes over time to generate a cohesive report on the risk and advise on strategy to mitigate it.
If you would like to work with a team of experts to help rapidly resolve hazardous gas problems, make sure to get in touch with our team today. We always provide expertise and a deep level of understanding to help you ensure that your project is a success.
The following pages include news articles, videos, guidance notes and white papers on a range of ground gas related topics which we hope you will find of interest. Please browse through but if you can’t find something on your particular issue of interest, we’d be very pleased to hear from you so we can put that right.
Video
GGS Webinar: Continuous Ground Gas Monitoring – Trust, Telemetry and Calibration
Catch up on this webinar with Simon Talbot exploring these issues and how they apply to continuous monitoring systems!
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