Monitoringand Detecting Methane in Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Compression Stations

In 2010, about 49% of the petroleum consumed by the United States was imported from foreign countries. The United States still hasn’t seriously addressed this issue since the 1970’s energy crisis. The truth is the energy independence discussion remains a hot topic for many reasons including both national security and economic reasons. Despite encounteringdeterrencefrom the EPA,corporations are trying to find alternative energy solutions. Fortunately, in recent years advancement in technology has made it possible to detect natural gas at depths previously unattainable. This led to the discovery of many natural gas deposits across the United States, including the Marcellus Shale.

Located in the North Eastern part of the United States, Marcellus Shale has the potential to be an enormous energy resource for natural gas. Natural gas is efficient, clean burning, emits nearly half the carbon dioxide (CO2) than that emitted by coal burning. The supply of natural gas in the United States is much more reliable than imported fossil fuels.The acquisition and processing of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale can be complicated and at times difficult, but has become less dangerouscompared to previous years. Here’s how it the entire process works; Natural gas is transmitted via pipelines to a compression station, then onto a processing plant. Each station may contain up to four compressors thatcool the natural gas and pressurize it enough to move the gas through the pipelines to the plant. These processes can cause extreme heat and vibration within the station and over time lead to methane gas leaks, particularlynear flanges and seals.Since methane is a major component of natural gas, any outflow of methanein acompression station can lead to fire and explosion.

To protectthe natural gas processing plants, compression stations and personnel,Marcellus shale sitemanagers are using gas detection systemsto alert and preventconcentrated levelsof methane. Advanced systems technology includes infrared (IR) sensing. Monitor that utilizes IR sensors are ideal for monitoring combustible gases in confined areas.Methane gas has a lower explosive limit(LEL) of 4.4% (at 138°C) by volume, meaning 4.4% of the total volume of the air consists of methane. LEL of a gas is the concentration needed for the gas to ignite and explode. When methane concentration reaches 5.1% LEL, an explosion can occur if there is an ignition source. Infrared sensors require less calibration than most sensors, no gas contact, no minimum oxygen level and have littlemaintenance. Early detection of methane gas leaks in compression stations is crucial for safety.