Natural Gas Leak Detection | QED Environmental Systems (2024)

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A gas leak is extremely hazardous as it can cause harm to workers, buildings and the environment. Identifying gas leaks can help to reduce these risks, which is why when a gas leak is found, it must be dealt with immediately. In some instances, if a gas leak is left for a prolonged time, it can be fatal.

The presence of leaks is a prevalent issue for aging gas distribution systems across the globe. These events, if not detected in time, may bring environmental and health hazards, as well as economic losses. Therefore, the development of efficient detection, quantification, and localisation methods is crucial to all gas companies worldwide.

Gas leaks can significantly affect day-to-day operations, your workforce and may even cause stock damage, which will be costly for your business. Commercial gas leak detection requires specialist equipment, which is why it’s important for businesses to have the equipment needed to detect gas leaks. Without specialist equipment and knowledge, the only method of identifying a leak is through destructive access, which will be disruptive to your business. In some instances, a leak in the workplace can also be financially worse than at home.

Natural Gas Leak Detection Methods

Natural gas is frequently considered the safest and cleanest fossil fuel. However, if there is an undetected gas leak, it can be extremely dangerous. Since it is odorless, colorless and tasteless, it can be challenging to detect, especially in large commercial spaces. Therefore, it is important to recognise the signs of a potential gas leak:

Smell– natural gas is odorless so suppliers add a potent smell. This process makes it more detectable in case there is a leak. This smell is often described as a sulfur or rotten egg scent.
Hissing sound– you may hear a hissing or whistling sound if there is a gas leak. In fact, this could signify that there is a substantial leak.
Visible damage– there may be visible damage to a gas line.
Bubbles in water– a quick way to tell if there is a leak is to complete a bubble test. The test involves mixing a small amount of washing-up liquid in a container of water and then using a cloth or sponge to wipe down the suspected area. Bubbles will form if there is a gas leak.
White mist or fog– seeing an unusual mist or fog around the site could mean that there is a ruptured gas line.

The Benefits of Gas Leak Detection

A non-destructive solution to identifying any gas leaks
Minimal disruption to your business
Prevent any further long-term damage to the site

Current natural gas leak detection methods

Natural gas is frequently detected using catalytic (Pellistor) or infrared (NDIR) sensors. Pellistor/Cat Bead sensors use temperature differences between two beads to detect a natural gas leak; whereas, infrared sensors use infrared light. This is done through infrared light being absorbed in specific wavelengths by dangerous gases.

Why do I need to survey my gas distribution network?

Prevent financial loss due to leakage, maintaining pipeline integrity and help to comply with regulations and adhere to safe environmental practices

What benefits will I get?

Avoid financial loss; Health and Safety protection and fast and reliable gas detection

How do I do it?

QED has multiple, proven instruments for the detection of gas emissions. The new Landtec LASER One portable gas analyzer based on laser spectroscopy. It uses gas specific tuneable laser diode technology specifically tune for natural gas.

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