PGW’S High-Tech Tools Enhance Natural Gas Pipeline Safety
Posted on: Jun 26, 2023PGW marks National Safety Month by highlighting its state-of-the-art advanced leak detection technology
Philadelphia, Pa (June 26, 2023) – Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) celebrates National Safety Month by educating the public on its vital infrastructure safety efforts through the use of Optical Methane Detection (OMD) technology.
OMD is a removable apparatus attached to the front of PGW vehicles utilizing laser technology that detects the presence of methane (which is lighter and less dense than air) as PGW technicians drive along neighborhood streets. If methane is suspected, an alert is sent to a monitor mounted in the vehicle. PGW’s specially trained technicians will then walk the area with a handheld gas detection instrument that pinpoints the near-exact location of possible methane release.
“PGW’s OMD trucks can monitor between 200 to 250 city blocks a day,” said Joseph Leva, Superintendent of Operations and Maintenance at PGW. “OMD is a proven, reliable, and sensitive technology that is very effective in monitoring for potential leaks along pipelines. Whenever methane is detected over a certain range, a PGW field service crew will dispatch to the scene to investigate and take appropriate action to ensure safety.”
As PGW works to replace all cast iron pipelines by 2058, OMD and other PGW leak detection initiatives are essential in prioritizing main replacements for system safety, service reliability, and meeting PGW’s sustainability targets.
To WATCH & SHARE VIDEO about PGW’s Optical Methane Detection technology, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfvmggY3tX4
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