Project uses microphones to detect underwater gas leaks

Those working on the project claim that changes in acoustic signals could be used in the future to detect leaks from underwater pipelines and natural methane gas leaks from the seabed.

The technique relies on a network of hydrophones that are able to detect bubbles in the ocean.

Prof Tim Leighton, lead researcher at Southampton University, said: ‘If you listen to the sounds of bubbles being generated, and specifically the amplitude and frequency, you can determine the number and size of the bubbles being generated.’

Leighton said: ‘We’re interested in… important scenarios where gas escapes from the seabed and is injected into the water column.

‘The first is the rupture of gas pipelines set up by the petrochemical industry. Oil companies are continually monitoring the pressure at various points in the pipe to try and work out if any gas is going missing.

‘Petrochemical companies would like to be able to detect any leaks, and triangulate their location at a much earlier stage because little leaks can rapidly grow into big leaks.’