Methane Leak Detection: Why It Matters and How to Do It Right

As far as we can trace back, methane has played a part in warming the Earth’s atmosphere. In comparison to carbon dioxide, which tends to get the spotlight in discussions regarding climate change, Methane contributes to global warming at a rate 80 times greater than the same amount of CO2.

In today’s commercial landscape methane is no longer only produced by natural sources, but by human activity. In fact, humans are responsible for around 120 million tonnes of methane emissions which have remained at record levels since 2019. More than half of these global methane emissions come from fossil fuels, waste, and agriculture sectors.

Although governments and industries are doing more to tackle rising levels of methane, climate goals are still far from being met. Driving forward methane leak detection is critical if businesses are to make better decisions and manage emissions more effectively.

Why Methane Leak Detection Matters

Methane leak detection is crucial for several reasons.

Firstly, exposure to methane emissions is not only dangerous for the environment but also poses serious risks to human health.

Secondly, methane is extremely flammable and can act as an explosive under certain conditions, causing a great deal of damage if not monitored and controlled correctly. A notable example is the California leak which was discovered in 2015 and has since been reported to be one of the worst single natural gas leaks in U.S history.

While large-scale incidents like Aliso Canyon are rare, smaller undetected leaks occur regularly across the oil and gas industry. Because methane is a colorless and odorless natural gas, it’s critical that organizations use specialized instruments, whether fixed or portable, that are designed to monitor, measure and offer real-time data on methane leaks.

With that in mind, if we are to tackle these challenges effectively and prevent both major and smaller incidents, effective methane leak detection requires more than just the right tools. Businesses must adopt a structured approach, and this is where Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) plays a vital role in managing gas emissions.

What is LDAR and How Does It Work?

As described by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Leak Detection and Repair is a comprehensive programme designed to identify and fix leaks from industrial equipment such as valves, pumps, connectors, compressors and pipes.

These components are among the largest sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and volatile air pollutants (VHAPs). To minimise emissions and comply with regulations, it’s critical that these areas housing this equipment are regularly monitored, ensuring leaks are identified quickly, correctly and repaired promptly.

As part of field inspections, the LDAR program requires five best practice elements to be followed:

Identifying components
Leak definition
Monitoring components
Repairing components
Recordkeeping

To support inspections, gas monitors are typically used to detect leaks on an industrial scale and can accurately detect gases such as methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and carbon monoxide (CO), among others.

Implementing an LDAR system requires facilities to establish regular monitoring processes to find and fix leaks before they become hazardous. By following best practices and ensuring staff are properly trained, businesses can meet regulatory standards, protect operational safety, and reduce environmental impact.

Monitor Methane Effectively

Monitoring methane effectively combines LDAR and high-tech gas analyzers, which not only protects your employees but also your operations. Businesses need to focus on the opportunities proper methane monitoring can accomplish, not just from an environmental point of view, but from a financial one as well.

Firstly, use the right technology. At Ecotec, we offer a range of portable and fixed gas analyzers designed to accurately measure and monitor gas levels in all conditions, come rain or shine. With the correct instrumentation, you can define acceptable leak limits and trigger repair actions promptly before issues escalate.

As outlined by the EPA, regularly monitoring your equipment should be treated as a preventative measure and not only initiated when there is a cause for concern.

Finally, maintaining detailed logs of inspections, leak repairs, and maintenance work demonstrates your following regulations correctly, should an audit occur.