  We propose a novel method for monitoring gas distribution networks (GDNs)
using intelligent sensor nodes that can be integrated with existing smart gas
meters (intelligent meters). The method aims at detecting and locating gas
leaks in GDNs in real time. The intelligent meters leverage wireless
connectivity in existing smart meters to collaborate in implementing this
method, which comprises an active acoustic probing phase and a passive linear
imaging phase. In the active acoustic phase, the intelligent meters
collaboratively discover the topology of the monitored pipeline network using a
novel acoustic pulse reflectometry technique. In the passive linear imaging
phase, the intelligent meters use their knowledge of the pipeline network
topology to create a linear image of the pipeline using the Time-Exposure
Acoustic (TEA) algorithm. The resulting image reveals the presence and
locations of active gas leaks in the network. We present the theoretical basis
of the method and show results of implementing it on experimental data
collected in the lab.
