Colorado Natural Gas introduces new vehicle for advanced gas leak detection

DENVER(KDVR) — Colorado Natural Gas is introducing a new vehicle that is said to be able to detect gas leaks in a more accurate and higher capacity than handheld instruments.

The vehicle was retrofitted by Picarro and has been designed to have an advanced ability to detect gas leaks while reducing direct emissions from the pipeline network.

“At CNG, the safety and reliability of our natural gas system is our top priority,” said Mitch Pebley, CNG’s director of operations. “Introducing the Picarro vehicle in our CNG service territory has underscored our commitment to implementing innovative solutions that enhance the safety of our communities and allow us to reach our climate goals.”

The vehicle will be performing most of its work in the evening and night due to its slower speed while gathering information in an effort to prevent traffic stoppage issues. A trained technician will be operating the vehicle as it performs its patrols.

The Picarro vehicle’s technology is claimed to be 1,000 times more sensitive to detecting gas leaks than the handheld tools that are currently used. It can directly measure emissions, detect methane down to 1 part per billion in ambient air and reduce false positive detection from naturally occurring sources.

The new technology will help Colorado Natural Gas to identify and address leaks in a more efficient manner, aiming to allow for more minimal disruptions to service and detect potentially dangerous situations.

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