The Challenge
In 2023, the challenge of addressing high-emission methane leaks became a critical focus for Con Edison. Methane emissions from leaks exceeding 10 SCFH (Standard Cubic Feet per Hour) were classed as high emission leaks. Traditional leak detection methods were limited in coverage, frequency, and efficiency, leaving many high emissions leaks undetected or unprioritized for repair.
Adding to the urgency, new regulations in proposed Federal rulemaking emphasized environmental safety as an equal priority to public safety. Companies will need to adapt quickly to meet these stricter standards while addressing operational backlogs and optimizing repair efforts to maximize environmental impact.
The Solution
To overcome these challenges, a new initiative was launched to detect and repair high-emission leaks, utilizing Heath’s Advanced Mobile Leak Detection (AMLD) technology. This cutting-edge system offered:
- Wider Coverage: The Discover AMLD field of view covers larger area than traditional walking survey techniques including mains and services, simultaneously.
- Enhanced Detection: Identification of high-emission leaks that traditional tools often miss.
- Rapid Response – The open-path technology allowed for rapid detection of potential leaks
- Prioritization: Flow rate calculations allow for ranking leaks by hazard level and environmental impact.
'Discover AMLD allowed us to quickly identify and quantify high-emissions leaks, vastly reducing our methane emissions by 89%'
The Results
The implementation of Heath Discover AMLD delivered transformative results in its first year:
- Identified and Repaired Leaks: Over 40 high-emission leaks were located and repaired in 2023.
- Accelerated Repairs: Reduced repair timelines cut methane emissions by approximately 89%.
- Optimized Impact: Focusing on high-priority leaks ensured the fewest repairs achieved the greatest reduction in fugitive emissions.
- Improved Efficiency: On-target to survey their entire natural gas infrastructure within a three-year timeframe.
