Heath Consultants Remote Methane Leak Detector Intrinsically Safe (RMLD-I) - Manual (Page 6)

Overview
The HEATH Remote Methane Leak Detector (RMLD-IS) is a highly advanced
technology, capable of detecting methane leaks from a remote distance. The RMLD-
greatly improves the productivity and safety of surveys.
With the RMLD-IS it is possible to survey areas that are hard to reach or not easily
accessible. The RMLD-IS does not have to be within the gas plume because it uses laser
technology known as Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy. As the laser passes
through a gas plume, the methane absorbs a portion of the light, which the RMLD-IS
then detects. This technology makes it possible to detect leaks along the sight line
without always having to walk the full length of the service line.
Fig. 1-2
Using laser technology, remote detection allows you to safely survey areas that may be
difficult to reach such as busy roadways, yards with large dogs, fenced-off areas and
other hard-to-access places.
It is designed to be selective to detecting methane only and will not false alarm on other
hydrocarbon gases. Gas concentration is calculated by the amount of infrared light
absorbed by the gas. Since gas is detected along the line of sight of the laser, the
concentration is reported as Parts-Per-Million-Meter (ppm-m). Thus, the RMLD-IS
measures the gas cloud concentration multiplied by the width of the gas cloud. Based on
the local meteorological conditions, a given amount of gas escaping from the ground will
produce a plume that varies in size and uniformity of concentration levels. The plume,
by nature, is variable and dependent on the soil conditions, temperature, wind and leak
rate.
101296-0 RMLD IS MANUAL REV J
Page 6 of 40