PG&E Improves Gas Leak Survey Capability With Heath
Consultants' Advanced Detection Device
SAN FRANCISCO and HOUSTON, Nov. 29,
2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Gas and Electric Company
(PG&E) is now able to more efficiently identify potential leaks
on its gas pipeline system by using a highly advanced leak
detection device by Heath Consultants Inc.
The leak detection device, known as Detecto Pak-Infrared
(DP-IR™), is designed to be selective in detecting methane and will
not generate a false alarm on other hydrocarbon gases. The DP-IR
helps PG&E to more quickly locate and assess potential leaks on
its pipeline system, and helps determine priorities for repair or
monitoring. In addition, crews are able to operate in the field
under a variety of environmental conditions due to the rugged
design of the devices.
Over the past year PG&E has streamlined its foot patrol leak
survey capabilities by deploying more than 150 of the DP-IR devices
across its service area.
"Incorporating the DP-IR into surveys of our natural gas system
has made a positive impact on how we identify and repair potential
leaks," said Steve Redding, director
of gas maintenance and construction for PG&E. "Using this
equipment allows our crews to inspect, and maintain, our gas
pipeline system with even greater efficiency."
The DP-IR is a step up from traditional surveying equipment. It
utilizes a simple light beam, eliminating the need for expensive
gas cylinders and refill systems. It also has the capability to
grade, or classify any leak that it detects.
"Now our gas leak surveyors can cover more ground, find leaks
faster and help our crews fix problems quicker than in the past,"
said Chris Vana, information
technology director, PG&E. "When technology can make a process
simpler and easier to follow, our customers benefit."
While in operation, the DP-IR continuously monitors several
parameters. Should any of these parameters go outside the
operational limits, an alarm will sound and a fault/warning error
message will be displayed to alert the survey technician, ensuring
another level of operational safety.
"Heath Consultants Inc. is happy to help PG&E as they
continue to improve operations, pipeline integrity and public
safety within the state of California," said Paul
D. Wehnert, senior vice president, Heath Consultants.
ABOUT PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a
subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the
largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with 20,000 employees, the
company delivers some of the nation's cleanest energy to 15 million
people in Northern and Central
California. For more information, visit:
http://www.pge.com/about/newsroom/ and www.pgecurrents.com.
ABOUT HEATH CONSULTANTS INC.
For over 79 years, Heath
Consultants Incorporated has been the leading service provider and
manufacturer offering a wide range of products and services to the
various utility markets. Heath is based in Houston, Texas with 900 employees across
the United States. Heath partners
with well-recognized research and development organizations as well
as industry trade associations to provide state-of-the-art products
and services to various utility markets. For more information,
please visit: www.heathus.com.
SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)