PHMSA Methane Detection
PHMSA methane detection refers to the leak detection and repair (LDAR) requirements set by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) for natural gas pipelines and facilities. These regulations apply to transmission, distribution, and certain gathering pipelines and are designed to ensure the safe transportation of energy resources.
Why PHMSA Methane Detection Matters?
Methane leaks from natural gas pipelines pose safety and environmental risks. PHMSA regulations mandate leakage survey requirements that vary in frequency depending on pipeline class and type:
- PHMSA uses four classes to categorize how close natural gas lines are to people
- Class 1 applies to pipe in a rural location, while Class 4 indicates a densely populated location
- With safety as a primary concern, pipes in Class 4 locations have more regulations than pipes in Class 1 locations
- Four types of pipelines, Type A, B, C, and R are defined based on pipeline size and/or pressure
A combination of pipeline class and type determine the leakage survey frequency requirements. Systems like Bridger Photonics’ Gas Mapping LiDAR™ (GML) support these requirements by delivering high-resolution, geo-tagged, and quantified methane leak data suitable for use in PHMSA compliance programs.
How PHMSA Methane Detection Works (Brief Technical)
PHMSA regulations require operators to perform regular leak surveys, with the frequency depending on pipeline class and type. Methane detection systems used for these surveys must meet minimum performance expectations and support detailed recordkeeping.
Aerial detection with Bridger’s GML helps operators comply with PHMSA’s leakage survey requirements by providing:
- Extensive coverage on up to hundreds of miles of pipeline per day, including remote or hard-to-access pipeline segments
- Quantified methane emission rates to aid in prioritization of leak repair
- Accurate leak localization to typically within ~2 meters
- Clear, audit-ready reports with geospatial emissions data, crisp plume imagery, and up-to-date aerial photography
This scalable approach is well-suited to transmission and gathering lines that require cost-effective, repeatable monitoring.
Key Applications in Oil and Gas
- Meeting PHMSA’s leakage survey requirements
- Supporting repair prioritization
- Verifying coverage of pipeline assets across broad geographies
- Documenting inspection results for audits or investigations
- Integrating aerial surveys with broader pipeline safety programs
Related: Aerial Methane Detection, Gas Mapping LiDAR, Methane Quantification, Leak Localization Error, Distribution Sector
FAQs
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What is PHMSA’s role in methane detection?
PHMSA sets pipeline safety regulations that include requirements for leak detection and repair (LDAR). These rules apply to gas transmission, distribution, and certain gathering lines.
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Can Bridger’s Gas Mapping LiDAR be used to support PHMSA compliance?
Yes, Gas Mapping LiDAR can be used to support PHMSA compliance and has been used for several years. Bridger’s system provides quantified, geo-tagged data that helps operators detect leaks, prioritize repairs, and generate defensible records for regulatory review.
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How does aerial detection benefit pipeline operators?
Aerial leak detection using GML provides fast, efficient coverage of large pipeline networks, especially in remote or difficult terrain.
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Which pipelines are subject to PHMSA methane detection rules?
PHMSA methane detection requirements apply to transmission pipelines, distribution pipelines, and certain gathering pipelines that meet specified size and location criteria. Pipeline class and type determine the leakage survey frequency requirements.
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How does PHMSA methane detection differ from EPA methane rules?
PHMSA and EPA regulations generally apply to different sectors of the natural gas value chain. PHMSA regulations generally apply to transmission and distribution pipelines, and U.S. EPA OOOOa/b/c methane regulations generally apply to oil and gas production infrastructure and related facilities.
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