Ecotec provides advanced methane leak detection solutions for CNG-based transportation and virtual pipelines, helping the people on the ground safely operate, maintain, and respond to these assets.
Compressed natural gas (CNG) continues to play an important role across the U.S. transportation sector, both as a vehicle fuel and in virtual pipeline operations. Despite its greener credentials as a transportation fuel, methane can still be a dangerous gas.
Whether virtual pipeline operatives are inspecting equipment or first responders are arriving at a CNG vehicle crash, they must quickly determine if methane is leaking, which direction it is travelling, and how large the leak is. Methane presents not only a safety risk, but also operational and environmental challenges for fleet operators, transport companies, and first responders.
Ecotec supports the transportation industry with proven methane detection technology designed to reduce risk, improve safety, and support confident decision-making in the field.
This long-range handheld solution performs 360Ëš scanning for fugitive surface and penetration emission indications.
Using the powerful Laser Spectroscopy technology (TDLAS), Gazoscan Mini is a handheld remote methane detector (RMD) offering methane selectivity.
Risks with CNG vehicles include high-pressure storage that have the potential to explode if tanks fail from damage or old age), fire/explosion hazards from leaks especially in enclosed spaces where gas can accumulate, and asphyxiation risk, but these are mitigated by strong tank designs, dispersion properties (lighter than air), and safety features, with the primary concern being improper maintenance/repair or accidents impacting tanks.
In transportation environments, methane leaks may arise from:
These risks are not limited to active driving. Leaks can occur during operation, maintenance, and refuelling. Exposing drivers, technicians, and nearby personnel if not detected promptly.
Ecotec’s methane detection solutions are designed for the field with 30 years of hands-on experience our products are designed for:
For example, if a CNG vehicle has a crash, everyone will need to get to a safe distance in case of an explosion. To know whether the cylinder is affected and methane is leaking, the gazoscan mini (from 15 meters), or the Gazoscan (100+ meters) will be able to identify if methane is airborne and indicate risk of explosion.
As well as reacting to incidents, Ecotec’s technology supports a proactive safety approach, helping organisations identify potential issues before they become operational or safety events.
Transporting CNG by truck, ship, or rail in a virtual pipeline is a fast, flexible, and lower-capex alternative to fixed pipelines. However, they face higher operating costs, logistical and safety risks, and they have the potential for more methane leaks due to more handling steps compared with traditional pipelines.
Potential leak points within virtual pipeline transportation include:
Because these systems operate across multiple sites and environments, consistent methane detection is essential to maintaining safety throughout the transport chain.
Early identification of methane leaks is critical in virtual pipeline operations. Even small leaks can escalate if left undetected, particularly in confined spaces or during transfer operations.
By enabling routine leak detection, you can reduce risk without disrupting operations.
Ecotec offers a range of methane detection solutions that can be deployed individually or in combination, depending on operational requirements. Flexibility is a key requirement for virtual pipelines, where detection equipment must move seamlessly across vehicles, transfer points, and temporary facilities.
To meet this need, Ecotec developed the Gazoscan Mini, an ultra-portable methane detector designed for easy use in the field. Compact, lightweight, and simple to operate, it can be integrated throughout virtual pipeline operations and used by a wide range of personnel to identify leaks early and prevent minor issues from escalating into serious incidents.
In addition to the Gazoscan Mini, Ecotec provides portable and fixed methane detection systems featuring high-precision measurement and integrated software. Together, these solutions help operators detect leaks, reduce product loss, improve safety performance, and keep operations on schedule and on budget.
Leaking gas means lost revenue. At Ecotec, we design solutions for the way you really work and can supply our range of instruments on various Monitoring-as-a-Service (MaaS) packages, allowing you to hire our instruments for as long as you need them.
We’ve always been relentless in our dedication to our customers, working shoulder to shoulder together in the field. That means you can expect highly-responsive support throughout our partnership, and because we understand the stakes are high.
Let’s make a measurable impact. Contact us today to learn more about how our solutions can support your business. Call our us today on +1 (909)-906-1001 or fill in the contact form and member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Archrock has adopted the Ecotec system for direct measurement and traceable data handling of methane leaks, saving millions of dollars in lost gas and equipment maintenance.
Ecotec offers the most accurate and reliable leak detection for natural gas storage and distribution networks.
To support your mission-critical oil and gas operations, Ecotec offers the only end-to-end solution for greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting, as well as methane detection
Copyrights © 2026 All rights reserved by Ecotec Solutions, Inc.
Top