Locating hazardous gas leaks in the atmosphere via modified genetic, MCMC and particle swarm optimization algorithms

- A three-stage leak source localization method for hazardous gases was developed.
- 1. Quick preliminary source inversion with a modified genetic algorithm.
- 2. Determination of a search zone using Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling.
- 3. Robots search with guaranteed convergence particle swarm optimization.
- Leak source was localized within 1.0 m with measurement error smaller than 2.0.

Hazardous gas leaks in the atmosphere can cause significant economic losses in addition to environmental hazards, such as fires and explosions. A three-stage hazardous gas leak source localization method was developed that uses movable and stationary gas concentration sensors. The method calculates a preliminary source inversion with a modified genetic algorithm (MGA) and has the potential to crossover with eliminated individuals from the population, following the selection of the best candidate. The method then determines a search zone using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling, utilizing a partial evaluation strategy. The leak source is then accurately localized using a modified guaranteed convergence particle swarm optimization algorithm with several bad-performing individuals, following selection of the most successful individual with dynamic updates. The first two stages are based on data collected by motionless sensors, and the last stage is based on data from movable robots with sensors. The measurement error adaptability and the effect of the leak source location were analyzed. The test results showed that this three-stage localization process can localize a leak source within 1.0 m of the source for different leak source locations, with measurement error standard deviation smaller than 2.0.