Methane Leak Prioritization

Methane leak prioritization is the process of deciding which detected leaks to address first. Operators make decisions about leak repair based on factors like emission size, safety risk, location, and regulatory urgency. Rather than treating all leaks equally, operators use methane leak prioritization to allocate repair resources where they’ll have the greatest impact, first.

Quantified leak data from Bridger Photonics’ emissions intelligence system makes this process faster, clearer, and more defensible.

Why Does Methane Leak Prioritization Matter?

Not all methane leaks are equal. Some emit large volumes of methane or occur in high-risk areas, while others are small or part of normal operations, or “process emissions”. 

Prioritizing leak response helps operators:

• Use their resources in a way that maximizes emissions reduction
• Respond quickly to regulatory deadlines
• Avoid chasing false positives or low-impact leaks
• Reduce product loss and operational downtime
• Streamline maintenance workflows across large teams
• Optimizes personnel efficiency and reduces windshield time

Bridger’s quantified and pinpointed leak data gives field teams the clarity they need to take action quickly, along with confidence that they’re allocating resources to maximum effect.

How Methane Leak Prioritization Works (Brief Technical)

Prioritization criteria often include:

• Emission rate: Higher-volume leaks are addressed first
• Location: Proximity to sensitive infrastructure or public areas increases priority
• Asset type: Certain equipment may be higher risk
• Regulatory classification: Some leaks must be fixed on tighter timelines according to the regulations in a given jurisdiction
  

Bridger’s emissions data and intelligence supports this process by providing:

• Accurately quantified methane emission rates (in kg/hr, SCFH, or other units)
• Precise leak locations to within ~2 meters
• Crisp, color-coded gas plume imagery
• Structured reporting integrated into operator workflows to help field teams triage and plan repairs
• Emissions analytics that identify recurring leaks, and emission trends including equipment source and timing
  
  

Key Implications in Oil and Gas

• Planning LDAR follow-up and repair schedules
• Supporting PHMSA and U.S. EPA repair timelines
• Responding to super-emitters and other high-risk leaks
• Documenting prioritization decisions for compliance or audit purposes
• Reducing unnecessary dispatches to low-priority or non-leaking sites

Related: Gas Mapping LiDAR, LDAR Methane Detection, Super-Emitter (Methane), Leak Localization Error, Methane Quantification

*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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