When would I need to measure gas leaks at distance?

The use of natural gas, of which methane is the principal component, is increasing worldwide. It also has many industrial uses, such as the manufacture of chemicals like ammonia, methanol, butane, ethane, propane and acetic acid; it is also an ingredient in products as diverse as fertilizer, antifreeze, plastics, pharmaceuticals and fabrics. With continuous industrial development, there is an increase in the risk of harmful gas being released. Although these emissions are controlled, there however, may be operations that involve the handling of hazardous gases in which lapses in preventive maintenance such as ensuring there are no faulty pipelines or equipment, can result in terrible outcomes.

What are the dangers and ways of preventing gas leaks?

Natural gas is transported in several ways: through pipelines in gaseous form; as liquefied natural gas (LNG) or compressed natural gas (CNG). LNG is the usual method for transporting the gas over a long distance, i.e., across oceans, whilst CNG is ordinarily transported using a tanker truck over short distances. Pipelines are the preferred transport choice for long distances over land (and sometimes offshore). Local distribution companies also deliver natural gas to commercial and domestic users across utility networks within countries, regions and municipalities.

Regular maintenance of gas distribution systems is essential. Identifying and rectifying gas leaks is also an integral part of any maintenance programme, but it is notoriously difficult in many urban and industrial environments, as the gas pipes may be located underground, overhead, in ceilings, behind walls and bulkheads or in otherwise inaccessible locations such as locked buildings. Until recently, suspected leaks from these pipelines could lead to whole areas being cordoned off until the location of the leak was found.

Remote Detection

Modern technologies are becoming available that allow for remote detection and identification of leaks with pinpoint accuracy. Hand-held units, for example, can now detect methane at distances of up to 100 metres, while aircraft-mounted systems can identify leaks half a kilometre away. These new technologies are reshaping the way natural gas leaks are detected and dealt with.

Remote sensing is achieved using infrared laser absorption spectroscopy. As methane absorbs a specific wavelength of infrared light, these instruments emit infrared lasers. The laser beam is directed to wherever the leak is suspected, such as a gas pipe or a ceiling. Due to some of the light being absorbed by the methane, the light received back provides a measurement of absorption by the gas. A useful feature of these systems is the fact that the laser beam can penetrate transparent surfaces, such as glass or Perspex, so there is a possibility to test an enclosed space prior to entering it. The detectors measure the average methane gas density between the detector and target. Readings on the handheld units are given in ppm-m (a product of the concentration of methane cloud (ppm) and path length (m)). This method allows for methane leak to be found quickly and confirmed by pointing a laser beam towards the suspected leak or along a survey line.

Overall Safety

As there are several risks when using gas such as explosion from damaged, overheated or poorly maintained cylinders, pipes equipment or appliances. There is also the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and burns caused by contact with flame or hot surfaces. By implementing real-time gas leak detection, industries can monitor their environmental performance, ensure better occupational health, and eliminate potential hazards for optimum safety. Also, early detection of gas leaks can trigger concerned engineers to curtail the spread and keep a safe environment for better health and safety.

For more information on measure gas leaks at distance, contact our team or visit our product page.

LaserMethane Smart: The latest in laser methane detection

With increasing global regulation around methane emissions and reporting, the innovative technology of the LaserMethane Smart, the latest in laser methane detection. The innovative technology to measure methane leaks at a distance, uses a laser and camera system to provide a highly capable solution to various gas detection challenges within emission monitoring. It uses an infrared laser beam, where the transmitter and receiver are separated. When methane passes between the two, methane absorbs the infrared light, and the beam is disrupted. The device therefore accurately reports the concentration of the methane gas cloud. The device’s reading and camera’s image are overlaid and records the levels at time of inspection, all from a safe distance from the source. The readings can later be used to report on emissions and check that leak mitigation methods are successful.

Other handheld leak detectors usually detect flammable or explosive gas but in much closer proximity to the hazard and take much longer as it involves more travel to each specific measurement point. This means that traditional hand-held detection methods are inadequate to successfully detect leaks quickly or as safely.

Remote Detection

Modern technologies are becoming available that allow for remote detection and identification of leaks with pinpoint accuracy. Hand-held units, for example, can now detect methane at distances of up to 100 metres, while aircraft-mounted systems can identify leaks half a kilometre away. These new technologies are reshaping the way natural gas leaks are detected and dealt with.

Remote sensing is achieved using infrared laser absorption spectroscopy. As methane absorbs a specific wavelength of infrared light, these instruments emit infrared lasers. The laser beam is directed to wherever the leak is suspected, such as a gas pipe or a ceiling. Due to some of the light being absorbed by the methane, the light received back provides a measurement of absorption by the gas. A useful feature of these systems is the fact that the laser beam can penetrate transparent surfaces, such as glass or Perspex, so there is a possibility to test an enclosed space prior to entering it. The detectors measure the average methane gas density between the detector and target. Readings on the handheld units are given in ppm-m (a product of the concentration of methane cloud (ppm) and path length (m)). This method allows for methane leak to be found quickly and confirmed by pointing a laser beam towards the suspected leak or along a survey line.

Overall Safety

As there are several risks when using gas such as explosion from damaged, overheated or poorly maintained cylinders, pipes equipment or appliances. There is also the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and burns caused by contact with flame or hot surfaces. By implementing real-time gas leak detection, industries can monitor their environmental performance, ensure better occupational health, and eliminate potential hazards for optimum safety. Also, early detection of gas leaks can trigger concerned engineers to curtail the spread and keep a safe environment for better health and safety.

Laser-based gas sensor technology is an effective tool for detecting and quantifying polluting gases such as carbon dioxide or methane. Laser sensors are sharp with a quick response that can automatically detect the relevant gas. The LaserMethane Smart is a compact, portable methane gas detector, the latest laser methane device, replacing the now obsolete LaserMethane mini. LaserMethane Smart can detect methane leaks at a distance up to 30m, it enables companies to quickly survey multiple leak risks, and safely, without having to enter a hazardous area.

For more information about las gas detection, visit our website or contact our team

When to use Laser Gas Detection

Laser Gas Detection provide a solution to various gas detection challenges within emission monitoring and process control. Laser gas detectors use a near identical infrared technology to that seen on our other products, but where the transmitter and receiver are separated by a distance. When methane passes between the two, the ‘beam is broken’ and the receiver will let you know the concentration of gas.

Leak detection of common gases usually detects flammable or explosive gas. This means that traditional (i.e., catalytic) leak detection methods are inadequate to successfully detect at a distance. This means that all gas resources or transmission lines must be observed in terms of a gas leakage.

Using a Laser Gas Detector

Laser technology enables gas leaks to be located, by pointing the laser beam towards the suspected leak, or along a survey line. Being very intuitive and easy to use, it is practically ‘point and shoot’ with a 2-button operation and touch display. The laser beam pointed towards areas such as gas piping, the ground, joins etc, is reflected from the target. The device receives the reflected beam and measures the absorptivity of the beam, which is then calculated into methane column density (ppm-m) and displayed clearly on the display.

Laser gas detectors allow for the detection of methane gas from a safe distance without the need for a worker to enter certain hazardous areas. Utilising infrared laser technology, methane leaks can be efficiently confirmed through the use of pointing a laser beam towards the suspected leak, or along the survey line. This revolutionary technology removes the need to access elevated places, under floor, hazardous areas or other hard to reach environments. It is also ideal for surveying large open spaces e.g., landfills or studying agricultural emissions.

LaserMethane Smart

Laser-based gas sensor technology is an effective tool for detecting and quantifying methane emissions. Laser sensors are sharp with a quick response that can detect the relevant gas.

The LaserMethane Smart is a compact, portable methane gas detector, the latest laser methane device, replacing the obsolete LaserMethane mini. LaserMethane Smart can detect methane leaks at a distance up to 30m, enabling operators to quickly survey multiple leak risks, and safely, without having to enter a hazardous area.

The device is made even easier to use with its integrated camera, so operators can pin-point exactly where the emissions are coming from. A screen recording of the image can be captured, recording the gas concentration, alarm set point and zoom information for further analysis or reporting later.

Bluetooth devices can be paired to a mobile phone so the information can be transferred to an online portal for total data integrity and reporting, as well as capturing location so emissions can be traced to specific locations. This makes it even easier to ensure leaks are traced and any emission preventing actions can be recorded and used to prove their success against the previous emission readings at the same location.

For more information about las gas detection, visit our website or contact our team.