Natural Gas Leak Detector
A Natural Gas Leak Detector is critically important anywhere natural gas is present, both in land fills, processing facilities as well in transportation pipelines. Gas leaks can represent significant safety hazards because of their potential for explosion, fire or asphyxiation. They can also have significant financial implications because of the value of the lost gas. Fortunately there are a range of instruments which can detect their presence and measure their extent. The Photovac MicroFID II was developed to fulfill the needs of the Natural Gas Leak Detection market.
What do we mean by a natural gas leak? Aren’t all Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) normally in gaseous form?
Yes, VOCs are normally in gaseous form, but often when we speak of a gas leak we are referring to natural gas in a pipe line. Natural gas is primarily methane.
How are the leaks in pipelines found?
If the pipeline is buried, the sample probe is moved along the ground to detect the leaking natural gas as it enters the atmosphere. This may be done by someone walking along, or in a specially equipped vehicle which has an array of gas collectors collecting samples. For above ground pipelines or at all the joints, valves, flanges, etc. at a pumping facility, a portable instrument with a suitable probe is used.
How are leaks in a landfill found?
The regulations for monitoring gas (methane) escaping to the atmosphere through leaks in the landfill cover vary by state, but are getting increasingly strict. In California tests must be done quarterly by making measurements on a grid pattern over the entire site with each path no more than 25 feet from its parallel path.
Why are Natural Gas Leak Detectors important?
There are several reasons. Methane is the major component of natural gas, and is very explosive, but is also very valuable. Methane is also a green house gas and detrimental to the environment.
Is Methane detection difficult?
Methane cannot be detected with a photoionization detector, but can be detected by a flame ionization detector (total VOC monitoring). A flame ionization detector will give stable, accurate readings of methane.
How accurately can gas / VOC monitoring be done?
These instruments can measure over a range from a few parts per billion to thousands of parts per million.
Does Photovac provide products for gas leak detection?
Photovac developed the MicroFID II for the Natural Gas Leak Detection application. The MicroFID II features Bluetooth connectivity for wireless download of data to a laptop or PDA. Also, the MicroFID II features a unique 70 hour long life hydrogen cylinder to allow for use by several shifts in the field without the need for a refill.
Does the Photovac MicroFID II meet the requirements of US EPA Method 21 for detection of fugitive emissions?
Yes. The MicroFID II was designed with these requirements in mind. The MicroFID II will log data in accordance with Method 21 standards, as well as transmit data wirelessly to industry standard LDAR software.
Are these units safe to use in hazardous environments?
The Photovac MicroFID II is rated intrinsically safe for use in Class 1, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, and D hazardous environments.
How long will the units work on a full batter charge?
The long-life battery of the MicroFID II allows for 15 hours of use on a single battery charge. The metal hydride hydrogen cylinder provides the instrument with 70 hours of hydrogen on a single fill.
How reliable are the instruments?
If they are properly maintained, the instruments are accurate and reliable in a range of environmental conditions, including high humidity.
Does Photovac provide a warranty on the units?
Photovac provides a one year warranty on all of its products for defects in material or workmanship.
If you would like more information about Natural Gas Leak Detectors, please see the following:
For other applications, please see the following:
Confined Space VOC
Flame Ionization Gas Detector
Photoionization Detector for Sale