Laser+GPS Makes it Easy to Find Methane Gas Leaks

Finding gas leaks or proving none exist has just become much easier. With a continuous log of GPS position and methane (CH4) analysis proving zero ppm or showing leak readings from just 1ppm to 100%, Geotech (UK) has provided an easy-to-use leak detector. With almost-instant response from the Geotech TDL-500 connected to the easily portable Archer GPS palm computer, continuous logging of gas data and GPS coordinates is achieved effortlessly. This is made possible by new continuous-reading data recording software specially written for the Archer by Geotech parent company, Landtec.

Many operators need to prove compliance with environment agencies’ guidelines and for PPC permitting. Using the Geotech TDL-500 and Archer GPS with Geotech software they can now easily generate compliance data as evidence from routine surveys. This is set to help operators survey landfill sites, AD biogas plants, petro-chemical plants and natural gas pipelines to pinpoint leaks and also prove zero leakage.

The Geotech-programmed and supplied Archer GPS unit is easily hand-held at 165x89x43mm and weighs only 482g in a magnesium, scratch-resistant powder coated case. It is shockproof and tested for water, humidity, sand and dust, vibration, altitude, shock and temperature. With the Geotech software already on board, user operation is pure ‘plug and play’. A user has simply to connect both units with a cable and switch on. From a ‘launchpad’ screen the user presses ‘go’ and starts walking the area to be surveyed, creating a map from a continuous data stream as the survey progresses. The batteries last 8-10 hours. Download to a PC is via a USB cable and the output, the resulting .csv file of readings, can be instantly displayed on Google Earth™. Zero readings show up very clearly as do ‘hot spots’ above pre-set thresholds which can then be revisited later for further, closer inspection. During inspection the TDL-500 gives a clear audible warning if it finds CH4 at levels above user-set limits. TDL-500 Case study.

The advantages of the TDL-500’s laser leak detection include rapid reading at a sensitivity of just 1ppm CH4 in air and this complies with the Environment Agency's ‘Guidance regulatory limits which tend to be 50 ppm or less’. The laser technology also reduces monitoring rework, needs infrequent factory calibration giving low maintenance ownership cost. It also gives high in-field accuracy with no cross-gas effect from other hydrocarbon sources. It is ATEX certified to Zone 1 and thus safe to use in potentially explosive atmospheres. That is a significant contrast to the commonly used FID (flame ionization detector) as with the TDL-500 laser detector there is no flame, no hydrogen cylinder, no shipping of cylinders and no cleaning of the FID. TDL-500 User Comments.

Proving no leaks exist or finding and rectifying leaks quickly are important for compliance and safety. It also makes good financial sense not to leak valuable energy rich, revenue-earning methane gas.

The Geotech TDL-500 is available with the option of the Archer GPS and the Geotech continuous-read software from Geotech and is already being supplied to customers. UK operators may already have spotted the units in action in their area.

More: www.geotechuk.com