Gas Leak inspection Simulation

Try our Gas Leak Simulation to visually explore the difference between a standard gas leak detection method and one that prioritizes early detection of large leaks (Pareto Method)

We have talked previously about the value of detecting large gas leaks earlier. We have shown that economically, introducing a detection method that prioritizes earlier detection of large gas leaks is a safer, more economical, faster and more profitable method to implement.

Recently the EPA moved to adopt and encourage this approach. See our piece: Good Sense Prevails: Administration Unleashes Drone to Fight Methane Leaks in Oil and Gas Operations.

Until now, we did not have a wy to visually demonstrate how the change drives improvements and benefits.

We are pleased to provide you with our simple Gas Leak Inspection Simulation:

Checkout the Gas Leak Inspection Simulation

Here is how the Gas Leak Simulation Works

Gas leak simulation comparing standard and pareto method
Gas leak simulation comparing standard and pareto method

The simulator shows two identical sets of assets laid out in 12 by 12 boxes. They represent assets that you have in various areas of your gas operations.

Gas leaks are randomly generated with varying sizes and frequencies and appear on the same location for both sides, at the same time.

Gas leak simulation leaks are simulated randomly across the asset base
Gas leak simulation leaks are simulated randomly across the asset base

On the left side is where we simulate the Manual Inspection Method. The inspector will slowly traverse those 144 locations inspecting for leaks. If any leaks are found while the inspector is on site, those leaks are cleared. One simulation, representing an annual cycle is required for that inspector to traverse the entire site. Obviously, you will see that leaks appear in front of the inspector before they get to a spot, and may erupt in a location after it has been inspected.

On the right side, we show a faster method which traverse the entire set of assets much more frequently. The downside is this method will only focus on identifying larger leaks. This method will clear the larger leaks faster, but smaller leaks will continue.

The simulation is showing an entire manual cycle equivalent to the yearly Method 21 approach. At the end of the cyle, you can see the results.

The end result is lower leaks and higher leak reduction with pareto method
The end result is lower leaks and higher leak reduction with pareto method

During the cycle we diligently measure how many units of gas are leaked in both methods. We also measure what leaks are identified and measure what leaks are avoided. The better method should deliver lower total leaks and higher avoided leaks.

The Pareto Method does this.

Additional Features

  1. We set the simulation to cycle through a year in about a minute. You can use the speed bar to adjust this. Watch the year go by faster by moving the bar to the left (30 seconds). Or slow it down by moving the slider to the right (90 seconds).
  2. You can jump forward in the simultion by picking a day nd pressing the jump button.
  3. Start, Pause, Step and Reset are self explanatory.
  4. The Settings button allows you change the parameters of the simulation. We set our simulation based on the FEAST model real world sample of frequency of occurences of small and large leaks. You can increase/decrease the small and large leak counts to reflect your experience. We also set the large leak threshold for discovery in the pareto method. Again, you can increase or decrease these as your technology and experience suggests.
  5. Hover over the information icons to get a brief explanation.
  6. Hover over any square to see the status and history.
Gas leak simulation showing leak history by asset
Gas leak simulation showing leak history by asset

Now its your turn:

Checkout the Gas Leak Inspection Simulation