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Gas distribution and transmission network operators face the difficult challenge of guaranteeing a continuous supply at a competitive price, while reducing hazards all along the chain down to the final consumers. More recently, their role in climate change has been pointed out, as methane gas emissions count for a quarter of the global warming experienced today.The solution exists. Network surveying is already part of the global maintenance policy of gas utilities. However, the issue is to reinforce gas emission prevention and remediation, using the right tools.The goal of a pipeline network inspection program is to identify gas leaks quickly and reliably, so as to eliminate those representing an immediate threat to safety and build the pipeline maintenance schedule. Using the right detection instruments is clearly a key factor in the process. Gas measurement technologies were initially based on flame ionization (FID), electrochemical sensors or semiconductors. Over the past 15 to 20 years, the introduction of optical technology has gradually changed the game, with the development of high performance laser-based instruments. The new technology is extremely effective in detecting and quantifying polluting gases such as carbon dioxide or methane, thanks to the principle of infrared absorption spectrometry.

When it comes to gas, it is always a serious business. Gas operators’ maintenance programs are specifically designed to limit safety hazards through close monitoring of their pipelines and installations. But in addition to the concern for assets and human safety, global warming must now also be taken into account, along with the need of operational cost reductions. Methane, the main component of natural gas, is an odorless, invisible, yet combustible gas. Like CO2, it is a greenhouse gas, but its effect on climate change is far greater than CO2. Methane is responsible for a quarter of the global warming we experience today. In response, the natural gas industry has to proactively deal with methane emissions mitigation all along the gas chain from production down to the end consumers. This is why pipeline operators and gas utilities worldwide are currently reviewing their integrity management system with tougher Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) programs.

Measurement Is The Key In Gas Detection

When it comes to methane leak detection, the performance of the instruments used for the safety/maintenance checks carried out on natural gas installations needs to be constantly upgraded to meet the latest operational and regulatory requirements. In gas measurement, instruments have evolved considerably within the past 15 to 20 years, from the catalytic bead and electrochemical point sensors as well as flame ionization (i), with the introduction of laser spectroscopy technology.

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With more than 2.4 million miles of natural gas pipeline running underground in the U.S. alone, pipeline leak inspection represents a huge and challenging task for American gas operators. GAZOMAT, as an active partner of major gas distribution companies around the world, understands these challenges. With over 25 years of experience in the development, manufacturing and servicing of electronic detection equipment for the survey of gas distribution and transmission networks, as well as for operator protection in hazardous environments GAZOMAT is a specialist. GAZOMAT’s reputation for quality and reliability is recognized throughout Europe and around the globe via an extensive distribution network. Expanding further, GAZOMAT is now present in the U.S., with offices and production facility in California, offering local support. With its policy of continued innovation, GAZOMAT aims at providing advanced cost efficient solutions.

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Against the current backdrop of a general review of energy issues, gas operators are playing a key role in national and local energy policies. Even though their status varies by country - some are public, others semi-private or private - their mission is the same: transporting gas to the end user in a manner that offers the highest quality, the greatest safety and the least cost. While quality and cost issues are covered by the policies specific to each company, the risks inherent to gas make safety a concern that goes well beyond the operator: an issue of national or even supranational importance.

Gas distribution companies worldwide are required to survey their networks on a periodic basis. Depending on the country and type of gas, this can range from every six months to every three years, or longer. Additionally, new safety regulations in Europe put gas companies under an increasing obligation to guarantee traceability of their surveys by providing precise location and dating of gas concentrations measured. Systematic leak detection is therefore part of the overall safety policy of gas distribution companies. Planned periodic detection programs also allow gas companies to understand their network conditions and to define economical maintenance, equipment and systems renewal policies. Aimed at the early identification of any network deterioration, systematic leak detection enables timely remedial action. As such, network leak surveys are part of any maintenance policy with the dual aim of increasing safety and maximizing efficiency. The main goals of gas leak detection are to identify potential gas leaks, confirm actual leaks and select those leaks that represent a threat to public safety and therefore require immediate repairs. Leak detection also strives to detect leaks at an early stage and prevent gas concentrations in air reaching the lower explosive limit (LEL) of 4.4% volume gas in air or 44 000 parts per million (ppm). At that level, the gas (usually methane) will ignite in the presence of a spark or flame.

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