Published in the international magazine Hydrocarbon Engineering, this article explores how multiparameter sensor networks are transforming environmental monitoring in refineries, petrochemical plants and biogas facilities. The author explains why traditional monitoring approaches have limitations when detecting fugitive emissions and how continuous monitoring systems can simultaneously measure pollutants such as H2S, CH4, NMHC, VOCs, NOx and SO2, together with meteorological variables, to identify emission sources, detect leaks and understand emission behaviour in real time. The article examines the main technical challenges associated with gas sensors, including cross-sensitivities, sensor drift and the influence of environmental conditions, and presents the solutions developed by Kunak to deliver reliable, traceable and near-reference performance data. It also features real-world case studies from a refinery and a biogas plant, demonstrating how distributed sensor networks improve operational control, optimise maintenance and strengthen environmental compliance through continuous, high-quality data.
About the author
The article is written by Irene Lara-Ibeas, PhD, Product Manager at Kunak and an expert in environmental monitoring technologies and the development of advanced sensor systems for industrial applications. Her work focuses on measurement system validation, calibration and correction algorithms, and the deployment of sensor networks for fugitive emissions monitoring in sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemicals and biogas, providing her with a strong technical foundation to address this topic.
