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GAS DETECTION


responsibilities, and ongoing logistics disruptions are all piling pressure on the sector, creating a long list of priorities for businesses to overcome.


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But among the trials and tribulations of running operations, it is critical that workplace safety does not become lost among the noise.


The energy industry comes with more dangerous working conditions than most. Extracting, transporting, and refining oil and gas exposes employees and equipment to hazardous materials. Flammable gases and poisonous fumes all present their own risks that must be managed to protect employees and keep operations running. However, while the danger posed by these gases may be clear to see, the gases themselves are too often more difficult to spot. Without knowing where hazards are located, companies may struggle to implement effective countermeasures.


This is where gas detection technology becomes essential. As the danger posed by pollutants in


il and gas producers may often find themselves feeling like they are facing


challenges from every angle. Regulations, environmental


GAS DETECTORS MEAN ACTION ON LEAKS IS NO


LONGER A PIPE DREAM By Mark Naples, managing director of Umicore Coating Services


the oil and gas sector comes into greater focus, gas detection equipment manufacturers are experiencing a surge in demand. By 2030, the market for this technology is expected to reach US $9.28 billion, up from $4.53 billion two years ago. Such devices enable hazards to be located and swiftly addressed, and as a result, any serious safety strategy must start with them.


INVISIBLE THREATS


The oil and gas sector plays an undeniably important role in meeting worldwide energy requirements. However, with this role comes an inherent threat to workers and the environment. Every stage of production and transportation risks exposing people to toxic gases like carbon dioxide and


hydrogen sulphide (H2S), which can cause serious health issues or even death in high enough concentrations. Even nontoxic gases that are byproducts of extraction and


production can pose a threat in sufficiently high concentrations, by depleting oxygen levels and leaving any staff without proper


protection in danger of asphyxiation. Other pollutants may present an explosion risk, or cause corrosion to equipment, which poses a significant risk of asset damage in addition to the health and safety concerns.


This is not to


mention the impact that gas byproducts produced by the oil and gas sector can have on the environment. Fossil


fuels are by far the largest contributor to global climate change, accounting for more than 75 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Chief among these threats is methane, which


can trap up to 100 times more heat than CO2 when released into the atmosphere. Alongside the threat to workers, equipment, and other assets, comes the growing regulatory requirements around managing gases and pollutants. Stringent regulations are being adopted around the world as countries look to tackle this problem. Businesses that are seen to be complacent on air quality risk being penalised and face reputational damage – not to mention discouraging potential investors who use ESG compliance to evaluate their available options. A significant part of dealing with leaks is preventing them from occurring at all. However, this requires companies to know where problems are located so preventative maintenance can be carried out, and in the oil and gas sector, this is often easier said than done. By nature, gas leaks are accidental, and many of these substances are colourless and odourless making them impossible to detect without specialist equipment.


As a result, gas detection technology – particularly infrared sensors – have become instrumental to workplace safety by improving the data these companies can access. Data can provide the map required to chart a course towards a safer, more sustainable future, and without intelligent sensors, collecting this data to an adequate degree is next to impossible.


A SENSE FOR DANGER


Advances in sensor technology have granted operators access to a wide range of options for conducting reliable gas detection. Powered by infrared filters like those produced by Umicore Coating Services, today’s sensors offer precise measurements that businesses can use to minimise


28 SUMMER 2024 | INDUSTRIAL COMPLIANCE


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