IRwin® Powers Gas Leak Inspections in Sanhe City, China

Infrared gas leak detection technology from INFICON enhances the accuracy and safety of urban pipeline inspections.

Following a gas explosion in Yanjiao, Sanhe City, last year—reportedly caused by a pipeline leak—gas pipeline safety has become a growing priority in China. To address such risks, the Sanhe City authorities recently conducted a comprehensive inspection of the city's natural gas pipelines using a dual-technology approach. First, they located the underground pipelines. Then, they confirmed leaks with INFICON’s IRwin® Methane Leak Detector. This method, combining precise mapping with advanced methane leak detection, increased inspection efficiency, reduced false positives, and improved the overall accuracy of urban gas network inspections.

From Underground Map to Leak Confirmation

The inspection began by mapping the city’s underground pipeline routes. Once the network was identified, the IRwin Methane Leak Detector was deployed to detect leaks and identify the type of gas—allowing operators to target the right areas and avoid unnecessary work.

During the operation, IRwin quickly pinpointed multiple suspected leaks, reducing false positives from biogas and enabling faster prioritization of repair. The data collected with help of IRwin supported follow-up maintenance planning and gave gas utilities a stronger basis for improved control over their network.

IRwin for leak inspection of the field in China

By integrating underground pipe localization and leak detection into a single workflow, the operation achieved:

Greater efficiency—fewer wasted sweeps and reduced inspection time
Higher accuracy—confirmed leak sources with gas type verification
Improved safety planning—by providing complete and documented inspection data

Technology for Safer Cities

Urban pipeline networks are the lifelines of modern infrastructure, and their safety is essential. INFICON continues to partner with utilities worldwide to deliver innovative gas pipeline inspection solutions that protect communities and strengthen infrastructure safety.

Using advanced non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor technology, IRwin Methane Leak Detector offers:

Wide detection range from 1 ppm to 100% Vol—suitable for both routine inspections and emergency scenarios
High measurements stability in challenging environments—unaffected by humidity, dust, or vehicle exhaust
Fast response and short recovery times—for long field shifts
Multiple probe options for different ground surfaces and conditions
An integrated gas chromatograph to identify gas types such as natural gas, biogas, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) within minutes