Why Detection Accuracy Matters in Methane Monitoring

Summary

Methane leak detection is the starting point of any emissions reduction strategy. But leak detection accuracy must be sufficient not just for identifying methane emissions, but for capturing the full picture and quantifying their magnitude. Detection accuracy determines whether leaks are reliably detected and measured, which directly affects the trustworthiness and actionability of emissions data. Inadequate detection accuracy can lead to missed leaks, incomplete inventories, wasted crew resources, safety risks, and challenges in sustainability reporting and certification. 

At Bridger Photonics, we prioritize detection accuracy in every scan. Our Gas Mapping LiDAR™ (GML) system is designed to provide high-resolution, highly reliable methane detection across the entire natural gas value chain, ensuring operators capture the full picture of emissions and can take effective mitigation actions.

Key Takeaways

• Detection accuracy ensures emissions are are reliably detected and quantified
• Missed leaks can compromise inventories, safety, and emissions reduction efforts
• Accurate detection supports credible sustainability reporting and certification
• Inaccurate detection can lead to false positives or missed emissions
• Bridger combines advanced sensing with rigorous QA to ensure high detection accuracy
• Detection accuracy is essential for creating actionable emissions data
• Bridger’s GML system provides high-resolution data down to 0.5–1 kg/hr, depending on sector, all with 90% probability of detection

What Is Detection Accuracy?

Detection accuracy refers to the degree to which a system can both reliably identify the presence of a methane leak above a certain size (also referred to as emission rate detection sensitivity), and correctly quantify the rate of that leak. It’s what allows emissions data to be trusted and acted on. If the detection accuracy for a technology is too coarse, then emissions will be missed. An adequate detection accuracy with minimal error is essential for oil and gas operators to capture the full picture of emissions across their assets.

Why Is Detection Accuracy So Critical?

Methane leaks range in size, and detecting the majority of them is critical to take action and reduce methane emissions.. If a system isn’t tuned to accurately detect both large and small emissions, it may:

• Miss a significant portion of leaks, leaving emissions inventories incomplete
• Trigger false positives that waste crew time
• Compromise safety and overall emissions reduction by overlooking smaller but impactful leaks
• Skew your emissions profile for compliance or benchmarking

Detection accuracy is what allows emissions data to be trusted and actionable. Without it, operators risk blind spots that affect compliance, environmental performance, and the credibility of their emissions reporting.

What Happens When Detection Accuracy Is Lacking?

When detection accuracy is insufficient, operators risk missing a substantial portion of methane emissions, which undermines the reliability of their emissions data. This can have wide-ranging impacts:

• Missed leaks due to incomplete emissions data
• Emissions inventories that misrepresent total emissions
• Undetected leaks create safety hazards for personnel
• Reports become harder to defend
• Root cause identification becomes more difficult
• Opportunities for measurable methane reductions are missed

That’s why detection accuracy is a business-critical requirement for any emissions monitoring strategy.

How Does Bridger Ensure Detection Accuracy?

At Bridger Photonics, detection accuracy is built into every step of our process. Our GML system captures:

• High-resolution methane data down to 1 kg/hr with a 90% probability of detection for the production, transmission, and midstream sectors
• High-resolution methane data down to 0.5 kg/hr with a 90% probability of detection for gas distribution utilities
• Georeferenced leak location data with ~2-meter localization accuracy
• Contextual aerial photography for safe and efficient response
• Best-in-class aggregate emissions quantification error of +8.2%, providing the confidence needed for decision-making and reporting

Multiple third-party studies have extensively validated GML’s detection capabilities and quantification accuracy. Every detection undergoes quality assurance by trained analysts who review, verify, and confirm results before they’re delivered. Rapid data turnaround is prioritized with full datasets are delivered typically within five business days.

How Does Detection Accuracy Improve Compliance and Benchmarking?

Regulatory frameworks like the U.S. EPA’s Subpart W and OOOOb, along with voluntary reporting programs like OGMP 2.0, require operators to submit accurate, verifiable emissions data. Bridger’s high accuracy methane detection technology is approved for use as a detection technology under all detection sensitivity tiers of the EPA’s OOOOb rule. 

Compliance and reporting data must be:

• Tied to real emissions events
• Linked to specific equipment
• Traceable to field actions taken

Detection accuracy supports all three. With virtually no false positives in Bridger’s emissions data, operators can connect mitigation actions to real emissions sources and demonstrate results during audits or third-party reviews, supporting effective mitigation planning support.

It also strengthens internal tracking. Accurate detection with top notch quantification accuracy improves the quality of data used in emissions performance benchmarking and supports progress toward company-wide methane emissions reduction and intensity targets.

From Detection to Trust

Every strong LDAR program starts with trustworthy detection. At Bridger, we engineer our systems and processes to deliver the accuracy needed for real-world decision-making, whether it’s directing field repairs, completing compliance filings, or building a long-term emissions reduction roadmap.

Our best-in-class detection accuracy helps teams move faster, reduce uncertainty, and turn emissions data into action.

Want to see how detection accuracy can strengthen your emissions program? Schedule a demo to learn how Bridger delivers precision you can trust.