Specializing in: Leak Detection Services for: Natural Gas Pipelines

Mechanics of Gas Leaks Environmental Consequences Monetary Consequences Scope and Purpose of Leak Surveys Leak Detection Methodology Evaluation of Methodologies The SuprSnifr™ Survey Stats Pictures

Reasons Gas Leaks Occur: Internal corrosion (accounting for approximately 99%)  sulfur-reducing bacteria in the water external corrosion  coating damaged or compromised mechanical strikes faulty welds lightning strikes

As a greenhouse gas, methane is twenty-two times more potent than carbon-dioxide. Prolonged gas leaks cause soil to become hydrophobic, thereby destroying vegetation/crops. Produced fluids may contaminate soil and groundwater. Gas leaks result in the loss of a valuable resource.

An average leak (1/8” diameter), under average pressure (50 PSI) will release about 11,500 cubic feet of natural gas per day. This represents a loss of more than 4 million cubic feet per year per leak. Larger leaks can release over 250,000 cubic feet of natural gas per day.

Conducting A Leak Detection Survey : Identifies pipeline and casing failures Finds above grade leaks Helps assess pipeline integrity Meets ERCB requirements

Foot Patrol Involves walking directly over the pipeline and sampling from the ground surface. ATV Survey Involves riding directly over the pipeline and sampling near the ground surface. Aerial Survey Involves flying over the pipeline right-of-way and sampling the atmosphere. Gas Trak SuprSnifr ™ Survey Involves atmospheric sampling downwind of pipelines using available roads and access trails.

MethodAdvantagesDisadvantages Foot Patrol Exhaustive Permits simultaneous pipeline locates Fences, most terrain negotiable SlowExpensive Subject to weather, ground conditions Requires locating in absence of visual ROW ATV Survey Exhaustive More efficient and cost- effective Fences problematic Overgrowth conditions not negotiable Land owner issues Requires locating in absence of visual ROW Aerial Survey Very quick All season surveys Majority of leaks not detected Gas Trak SuprSnifr ™ Survey Survey Fast, efficient and cost- effective for entire gas gathering systems Not completely exhaustive Requires road, access trails Dependent on meteorological conditions Not effective in summer Not a visual survey

In 2000, Gas Trak Ltd. developed a quick and cost-effective method for detecting natural gas leaks. This proprietary method relies upon an understanding of the topographical and meteorological effects on natural gas plumes. Using an extremely sensitive flame ionization unit allows for the interception of the plume, which is followed to the source.

Walking%ATV% SuprSnifr TM % Line Breaks Casing Failures Total Totals