Esders GasCar Laser HUNTER – Professional Vehicle-Based Natural Gas Pipeline Inspection
The Esders GasCar Laser HUNTER is a modular vehicle-mounted natural gas leak detection system designed for fast, systematic and documented inspection of underground gas pipeline networks.
It enables gas network operators and professional inspection teams to survey large sections of pipeline while driving, continuously collecting and analyzing air samples for traces of natural gas.
Highly sensitive Laser HUNTER technology
At the heart of the system is the Laser HUNTER, a highly sensitive and selective gas detection and measurement instrument.
One of the key advantages of the GasCar concept is its modular design. The Laser HUNTER sensor technology is structurally separated from the pump and sampling unit. This means that the Laser HUNTER is not permanently dedicated to the vehicle and can also be used for other gas network inspection and leak detection applications.
Gas leak detection while driving
A dedicated air sampling system with up to eight probes is installed at the front of the vehicle. Depending on the vehicle configuration, an external intake bar or an intake system integrated into the front of the vehicle can be used.
A high-capacity pump continuously draws air samples from the road surface and transfers them through the intake system to the Laser HUNTER for analysis.
The system is capable of detecting even very small traces of gas reaching the surface from buried natural gas pipelines.
During the inspection, the system can record:
- gas concentration;
- vehicle speed;
- GPS position;
- inspection route and measurement locations.
Measured values are displayed immediately on the notebook inside the vehicle. When elevated gas concentrations are detected, the operator receives both an audible and visual warning.
Standard and Plus versions
The GasCar Laser HUNTER Standard uses one Laser HUNTER analyzer. The complete gas flow from all eight sampling probes is directed to this analyzer.
The extended GasCar Laser HUNTER Plus configuration uses two Laser HUNTER analyzers. Four adjacent probes are connected to each analyzer, allowing samples from the left and right sides of the vehicle to be analyzed separately.
This provides additional information about the direction of the detected gas concentration and helps to localize potential leak areas more efficiently, reducing the area that requires detailed follow-up inspection.
Automatic cleaning of the sampling system
The GasCar is equipped with an integrated compressor that allows the intake system to be cleaned by backflushing.
This is particularly important during regular network surveys under real road conditions, where dust and contamination can enter the sampling system.
Effective dust filters and water barriers provide additional protection against dirt and moisture entering the system.
GPS, data recording and GIS integration
A complete GasCar system can be equipped with a GPS receiver, notebook and Esders PI NOTE GIS software.
This allows gas concentration measurements to be linked to their exact geographical position and provides structured documentation of the inspected pipeline network.
For gas distribution network operators, this means the system can be used not only to identify possible gas leaks but also to document inspected pipeline sections, measurement results and locations requiring further investigation.
Modular system configuration
GasCar Laser HUNTER is a modular solution that can be configured according to the requirements of the gas network operator.
A complete vehicle-based inspection system can include:
Laser HUNTER gas analyzer, pump unit, intake system and probes, connecting hoses, filters, test equipment, notebook and notebook holder, GPS receiver and Esders PI NOTE GIS software.
The modular concept also allows the Laser HUNTER to be removed from the vehicle and used independently for other gas leak detection applications.
Technical Data
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power supply | 12 V |
| Sampling pump | 1,600 l/h per pump |
| Weight | 12 kg without display/measuring unit |
| Dimensions | 370 × 290 × 500 mm without Laser HUNTER |
| Data interface | USB |
| Operating temperature outside vehicle | –20°C to +50°C |
| Operating temperature inside vehicle | 0°C to +50°C |
Professional solution for gas network monitoring
The GasCar Laser HUNTER is designed for gas network operators that need to inspect large underground natural gas pipeline networks quickly, efficiently and with documented measurement data.
By combining highly sensitive Laser HUNTER technology with continuous air sampling, GPS positioning and GIS-based documentation, the system provides an efficient workflow from network survey and gas detection to identification of areas requiring detailed leak localization.
GasCar Laser HUNTER meets the requirements of DVGW Technical Guideline G 465-4-3 (M) for the inspection of underground gas pipelines.
