The HEATH Remote Methane Leak Detector (RMLD) is a highly advanced technology, capable of detecting methane leaks from a remote distance.

The RMLD is the first of a new generation of leak survey instruments that will greatly improve the productivity and safety of leak survey.

With the RMLD it is now possible to survey areas that are hard to reach or not easily accessible. The RMLD 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 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.

The portable, reliable Remote Methane Leak Detector (RMLD-IS®) changed the way methane surveys are conducted. Instead of having to walk the entire length of the service line to check for methane leaks the RMLD-IS quickly and efficiently detects leaks utilizing TDLAS technology for detection up to one hundred feet away. Safely survey difficult to reach areas, such as busy roadways, yards with large dogs, locked gates, compressor stations, offshore platforms and other hard to access places.

When the laser passes through a gas plume, the methane absorbs a portion of the light, which the RMLD-IS then detects. The reflected light is collected and converted to an electrical signal that carries the information needed to deduce the relative methane concentration. This signal is processed so that methane concentrations can be reported in parts per million meter or ppm-m. The laser has a nominal distance of up to 100 feet and is selective to methane only. It will not false alarm on other hydrocarbons. This makes it possible to detect methane leaks along the sight line without always having to walk the full length of the service line.

The RMLD-IS consists of two interactive components; a transceiver subsystem and a signal processing/user interface controller. The transceiver has two lasers; an infrared laser beam that is non-visible and is continuously on while the unit is turned on. The green spotter laser is similar to those used for presentation pointers and is turned on by the operator depressing the trigger button.

With its intrinsically safe rating the RMLD-IS opens a new realm of survey applications such as Offshore Platforms, Plant and Industrial, Inspections, Compressor Stations, Production Facilities, LNG Ship Inspections, First Responders for Leak Investigation, First Responders to Odor Complaints and Gas Processing Plant Inspections.

This fast-acting technology is ideal for difficult-to-protect applications such as:

• production areas
• tank farms and product storage
• loading and unloading facilities
• hazard waste treatment and storage
• processes with high temperatures, pressure and flammable fuels
• pump rows
• manifolds
• hot oil systems
• rail car loading racks
• hydrocarbon filling and storage areas
• chemical storage tanks
• aircraft hangars