Natural Gas Pipeline Leak Detection Services

“West Country Oilfield Services will be a leader in industry, providing all services in a safe manner,

while utilizing the best technology available.”

The Best Technology Available

GasTrak SuprSnifr™

Mechanics of Gas LeaksEnvironmental ConsequencesMonetary ConsequencesScope and Purpose of Leak SurveysLeak Detection MethodologyEvaluation of MethodologiesThe SuprSnifr™Survey StatsPictures

Reasons Gas Leaks Occur:1. Internal corrosion (accounting for

approximately 99% of leaks found) sulfur-reducing bacteria in the water

2. External corrosion coating damaged or compromised

3. Mechanical strikes 4. Faulty welds 5. Lightning strikes

As a greenhouse gas, methane is twenty-two times more potent than carbon-dioxide.

Prolonged gas leaks cause soil to become hydrophobic, thereby destroying vegetation/crops.

Produced fluids may contaminate soil and groundwater.

Gas leaks result in the loss of a valuable resource.

An average leak (1/8” diameter), under average pressure (50 PSI) will release about 11,500 Ft³ (11.5 MMBtu) of natural gas per day. This represents a loss of more than 4 million Ft³ (4,000 MMBtu) per year, per leak. Larger leaks can release over 250,000 Ft³ (250 MMBtu) of natural gas per day.

At a current gas price of $3.50/MMBtu:

An average leak will result in a production loss of $40.25/day, or over $14,000/year!

A large leak can result in a production loss of $875/day, or over $275,000/year!

Conducting A Leak Detection Survey:

• Identifies pipeline and casing failures• Finds above grade leaks• Helps assess pipeline integrity• Meets ERCB requirements

Scope & Purpose of a Leak Survey

Foot PatrolInvolves walking directly over the pipeline and sampling from the ground surface.

ATV SurveyInvolves riding directly over the pipeline and sampling near the ground surface.

Aerial SurveyInvolves flying over the pipeline right-of-way and sampling the atmosphere.

Gas Trak SuprSnifr™ SurveyInvolves atmospheric sampling downwind of pipelines using available roads and access trails.

Method Advantages DisadvantagesFoot Patrol Exhaustive

Permits simultaneous pipeline locatesFences, most terrain negotiable

SlowExpensiveSubject to weather, ground conditionsRequires locating in absence of visual ROW

ATV Survey ExhaustiveMore efficient and cost-effective

Fences problematicOvergrowth conditions not negotiableLand owner issuesRequires locating in absence of visual ROW

Aerial Survey Very quickAll season surveys

Majority of leaks not detectedExpensive

Gas Trak SuprSnifr™ Survey

Fast, efficient and cost-effective for entire gas gathering systems

Not completely exhaustiveRequires road, access trailsDependent on meteorological conditionsNot effective in summerNot a visual survey

In 2000, Gas Trak Ltd. developed a quick and cost-effective method for detecting natural gas leaks.

This proprietary method relies upon an understanding of the topographical and meteorological effects on natural gas plumes. Using an extremely sensitive flame ionization unit allows for the interception of the plume, which is followed to the source.

Walking % ATV % SuprSnifr TM % Line Breaks Casing Failures Total

2000 6 4 73 43 91 54 160 10 170

2001 19 12 17 11 125 78 158 3 161

2002 1 1 41 40 61 59 85 18 103

2003 8 9 26 29 57 63 82 9 91

2004 5 6 25 31 51 63 63 18 81

2005 0 0 21 18 94 82 89 26 115

2006 0 0 14 27 37 73 41 10 51

2007 2 2 5 6 82 92 71 18 89

2008 8 7 2 2 107 91 100 17 115

Totals 49 5 224 23 705 72 849 129 978

GasTrak Stats

90% Of Leaks Have No Visual Indication

Leak In Brush

Leak Initially Detected From 2.8 km Down Wind