LDAR (Leak Detection and Repair)

LDAR methane detection for oil and gas operations refers to the processes used to find and fix methane leaks as part of a leak detection and repair (LDAR) program. LDAR programs are designed to identify, quantify, and repair fugitive methane emissions from equipment at oil and gas facilities, including production, gathering, processing, transmission, and storage sites.

Why Does LDAR Methane Detection Matter?

LDAR methane detection is the foundation of basic emissions management for most oil and gas operators. It is intended to protect community safety, reduce methane emissions, protect air quality, and ensure operators meet legal requirements to detect and minimize fugitive methane leaks. Without accurate detection and repair, leaks go unnoticed, product is lost, and the organization’s safety, compliance, efficiency, and bottom line are put at risk.

Effective LDAR methane detection lets operators:

• Catch leaks early, before they escalate
• Comply with regulations from agencies such as the U.S. EPA, PHMSA, Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), or other federal, provincial, or state-level regulations
• Prioritize high-volume or high-risk leaks for rapid repair
• Generate defensible data for ESG and investor reporting
• Improve operational efficiency by reducing product loss

How Does LDAR Methane Detection Work? (Brief Technical)

LDAR methane detection programs are required by multiple environmental regulations, including federal U.S. regulations. Programs generally follow a detect–document–repair–verify model. The detection phase can use a range of technologies depending on the facility type, regulatory requirements, and operational goals.

Programs can involve a range of technologies depending on what is allowable under the jurisdiction’s regulatory frameworks, and often include optical gas imaging (OGI) or organic vapor analyzers (OVAs). In some cases, advanced methane detection technologies such as aerial LiDAR systems, satellite detection, vehicle-based systems, or fixed sensor monitoring solutions may be allowable.

Each method has trade-offs in sensitivity, coverage area, resolution, cost, and regulatory acceptance. Operators sometimes combine multiple allowable technologies to meet their LDAR goals efficiently and comply with performance-based standards from regulatory agencies.

Bridger’s Gas Mapping LiDAR® supports LDAR workflows by detecting and quantifying leaks across large regions quickly, while providing equipment-level methane emission data and precise leak location data that streamlines documentation and follow-up for repairs. 

Key Applications in Oil and Gas

• Detecting and fixing methane leaks across the oil and gas sector
• Complying with Subpart OOOOa, OOOOb, and PHMSA leak detection requirements
• Feeding quantified leak data into ESG reports or voluntary reporting frameworks such as OGMP 2.0
• Prioritizing and scheduling repairs based on emission size and location
• Verifying leak repairs and emissions reduction

Related: Aerial Methane Detection, Methane Quantification, Methane Compliance Monitoring, EPA OOOOb Methane Rule, Gas Mapping LiDAR

*Disclaimer: The information provided by Bridger Photonics, Inc. is intended for informational purposes only and is not official guidance or legal advice. We recommend consulting the appropriate agency or your legal team before making any decisions based on this information. Bridger Photonics, Inc. makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information provided. 

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