GAS pipeline company Transco is using mobile phone technology to cut the number of gas leaks.
The move is part of a project currently being trialled in the North West to monitor gas pressures at low points around the local network.
As gas travels to the furthermost points of the distribution network, pressures tend to drop.
Historically Transco has had to compensate for drops by keeping pressure levels artificially high across the network, and this higher pressure can lead to more reports of gas escapes.
Transco has now installed 130 'Cello' modem devices at key points throughout the network, which send out accurate pressure readings via text messaging, and are planning to install a further 70.
The pressure-reading system is part of a wider gas escape prevention project in the North West, which is playing a major part in saving valuable time and resources.
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