SWNNB

Today is the first blog post in what will be a new section called ‘Product Spotlight’ in which we will pick a product category related to the gas and/or oil industry and highlight a range of associated products. The idea being to provide you with a comprehensive overview of products some of which you may not be familiar with. As we are a fairly new blog we are always open to feedback so pass on any comments you have via our contact page. For today’s Product Spotlight we have chosen Gas Detectors .

Fixed Gas Detectors

If you are in the market for a fixed gas detector you will be happy to know that you are somewhat spoilt for choice. There are a variety of different products that come with different features such as explosion-proof stainless steel housing, IR, HART port connectivity, LCD screens of various designs, LED displays etc. Fixed gas detectors are designed to be highly accurate and of course reliable. They are often used to support critical functions in plant operations and can be used to monitor toxic and combustible gases. You will find fixed gas detectors to handle open-path, catalytic bed and point infrared measurements.

Open Path Gas Detectors

Open path gas detectors provide an increased coverage area to compliment other detection products/systems. They are usually designed to have quick response times and many products now offer built-in automatic calibration.

IR Open Path Gas Detectors work by distributing an infrared beam of light out and then detecting any gas which is sensed along that beam. The beam itself can range from a few metres to a few hundred metres in length. The detector can be contrasted with an IR point sensor.

Open Path Gas Detectors are mostly used in the petroleum industry where they assist with prompt gas leak detection. They may also be used in coal mining and any other industry where flammable gases can occur.

Manufacturers such as Boreal offer products such as the GasFinder3 Laser Gas Monitor which can be used for the measurement of GHG emissions. It is particularly handy for monitoring landfill sites. Boreal also offer dual channel analyzers capable of measuring lengths of 750m (max length depends on gas) and multi-channel analyzers for measuring multiple channels (up to 8).

Remote Flammable Detectors

Remote flammable gas detectors are useful for monitoring in Class 1, Div 1 zones. Honeywell Analytics one of the main manufacturers of RFD products and has a range which offer features such as being able to be mounted up to 100 feet away from the base transmitter. Communication connectivity options include RS485 and MODBUS RTU communication.

Portable Gas Detectors

Portable gas detectors are very useful for those looking for a mobile solution for situations such as confined spaces and spot leak tests. You can find portable detectors that can monitor atmospheric hazards such as toxic gases, combustible gases and oxygen levels. A variety of different products are available on the market, each designed around specific uses. Honeywell Analytics are one of the leading manufacturers and you will find products with features such as:

• Lightweight design (after all, it you will probably be carrying it all day!)
• Re-chargeable batteries with long life
• Water protection (For e.g. IP68 rating)
• Rugged design, to survive rough handling and drops
• Water resistence
• LCD screens
• Data-logging capability
• Audible, visual and vibrating alarms

Here is a video which shows you a sample portable gas detector:

So there you have it. Our first Product Spotlight. We hope to grow this blog over time so really value any feedback that you have. It would be great if you could spend a couple of meeting passing on any comments via our Contact Page . Thank you and we look forward to sharing another Product Spotlight with you soon.

Whilst this blog primarily focuses on news and events, we thought it would also be useful to have an article which explains some of the techniques available when completing natural gas exploration.

Here is a useful video on one of the techniques used, 3D seismic imaging which you may find interesting:

Airborne Gravity and Magnetic Surveys

Specially equipped aircraft can be used to obtain readings of the earth that indicate the potential presence of a basin deep underground. Planes can collect both gravity and magnetic data. This data helps develop a better understanding of any geological complexities.

Surface Geochemistry

Shoestring-length sleeves of absorbent materials can be placed into the ground. A few weeks after they are installed they can be removed and analyzed for particular carbon-based compounds which can help with understanding if there is an active petroleum system at work deep underneath the ground.

2D seismic imaging

2D seismic imaging is temporary in nature and has minimal environmental impact. 2D seismic imaging uses sound wave technology, like an ultrasound, to create maps that show rock layers beneath the earth’s surface. This process creates a sound at or near the surface and records the return echoes from the earth with detectors called geophones. Car traffic, pedestrians walking, tree roots moving from the wind are recorded with this equipment along with the return echoes from the earth. This sound may be created using one of two techniques depending on the surface conditions:

Vibroseis Technique

The vibroseis technique is only used on roadways and provides quality signals with minimal disturbance. Seismic vibrator trucks are equipped with an underlying vibrating plate to generate specific sound signals. When the plate is placed on the ground and activated, these signals are reflected off rock formations and recorded by the geophones located at the surface. The strength of the signal from one seismic vibrator truck is very small; several trucks need to be activated simultaneously to create a signal strong enough to be recorded. These vehicles create noise levels similar to that made by a logging truck.

Shot Hole Technique

The shot hole technique provides quality information and is an effective method when no roads are available. A small seismic source is placed at the bottom of the hole and is sealed with clay and drill cuttings per provincial regulations. When safely secured, the source is activated with specialized equipment. Afterwards, the area is restored to its original state.

Exploratory wells

Exploratory wells can be a very useful medium for gathering detailed data. Exploratory wells involve drilling a vertical hole for the purpose of taking samples of the various rock layers to better understand the geology. Different depths can be used depending upon the situation and environment.