UTVs, Laser Leak Detectors Funded by Gas Grant Enter Service

April 16, 2024

Twenty laser gas leak detectors funded by the Natural Gas Infrastructure Grant have been distributed to field employees. Fleet Manager Gary Burnett is in the proces of distributing side-by-side UTVs with a new trailer to each of the four gas districts. Phillipsburg was the first location to receive a vehicle with it being added to the fleet on April 11. Colby and Scott City's vehicles will be in service early this week, and the Hays unit will be the last to arrive. The side-by-sides have been equipped with a snow blade to mount the gas leak detection equipment to per the manufacturer's recommendation. These UTVs offer access to rougher terrain that needs to be covered during leak surveys.

This new equipment will reduce the costs associated with current labor-intensive gas pipeline inspections. Using laser detection, gas leaks can be identified as far as 100 feet away from the source, compared to the current gas leak detection devices that require surveyors to walk right up to a meter or gas line. The devices will provide faster leak detection and results in fewer false alarms than with the current inspection methods.

"The benefits of this leak detection system are threefold: methane emission reduction, improved pipeline safety and reduced pipeline operating costs," Gas Compliance Specialist Cindy Strube said.

Midwest Energy was the only entity in Kansas to recieve funding from the Natural Gas Infrastructure Grant, which is administered by the Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. A total of $196 million was awarded to 37 entities across 19 states, with a focus on gas infrastructure safety and modernization. Midwest Energy received $580,000.

With more than 3,000 miles of gas pipeline to maintain, the equipment will improve efficiency of gas leak surveys, especially in remote areas.