All operators of jurisdictional natural gas distribution systems must at various intervals conduct a gas leak survey of the system to ensure that the system is not leaking.  The 49 CFR Part 192 Subpart M (Maintenance) regulation prescribes minimum requirements for maintenance of pipelines.  Included in the subpart is §192.723, which requires each natural gas distribution system operator to conduct periodic surveys of its entire system for the purpose of locating and eliminating system leaks. 

Leakage surveys of business districts, typically areas where there is wall-to-wall pavement, must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 15 months, but at least once each calendar year.  Remaining portions of the system must be surveyed at intervals not exceeding five years, except for unprotected distribution pipelines subject to §192.465(e), which must be surveyed at intervals not exceeding three years.  The location, condition, pipe material, and population densities are some of the factors that are considered in the determination of the survey frequency.   

This webinar will review the current state-of-the-art natural gas leak detection technologies, including flame-ionization (FID),  optical infrared and laser leak technologies.  Leak classification and pin-pointing using state-of-the-art combustible gas detectors (CGIs) from catalytic combustion/thermal conductivity to optical infrared technologies will be discussed.  Portable, mobile, aerial and fixed applications of the technologies and new technologies on the horizon will be covered as well.  

The webinar will be conducted by Jim Rutherford, Vice President of the Products Business Unit at Heath Consultants Incorporated.  Jim holds four related product patents, including three for plastic heaters and one patent pending on leak detection signal processing.  Jim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Management of Technology, both from the University of Minnesota.