Hand Held Methane Gas Detector
Methane gas leak detection is critically important anywhere natural gas is present, both in land fills, processing facilities as well in transportation pipelines. Methane 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 Hand Held Methane Gas Detectors which can detect their presence and measure their extent.
What do we mean by a methane 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 methane gas leak we are referring to natural gas in a pipe line. Natural gas is primarily methane, which is also present in covered landfills.
How are the leaks in pipelines found?
If the pipeline is buried, the instrument is moved along above the ground to detect the leaking methane 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 methane gas escaping into 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 is it important to detect gas leaks?
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 gas detection difficult?
Methane cannot be detected with a photoionization detector, but can be detected by a flame ionization detector (total VOC monitoring).
How accurately can methane 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 hand held methane gas leak detection?
Photovac offers the DataFID as an innovative product to be used in a methane gas leak detection application.
Are these units safe to use in explosive environments?
The Photovac DataFID is certified as being intrinsically safe for use in hazardous environments.
How long will the units work on a full battery charge?
The Photovac DataFID can operate for approximately fifteen hours on a single battery charge. Its metal hydride hydrogen cylinder provides the unit with 70 hours of hydrogen on a single fill.
How reliable are the instruments?
If they are properly maintained the instruments will provide accurate and reliable results 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 more information about Hand Held Methane Gas Detectors, please see the following page:
For other applications, please see the following:
HAZMAT VOC Detector
Siloxane Detection
VOC Analyzer