Imaging Atoms provides technical support to complete successful DOT accepted ROW patrols and leak surveys, from the ground and air that are required under Title 49 CFR Part 192. These support services reinforce core elements of integrity management programs for natural gas transmission and distribution per U.S. DOT PHMSA’s Office of Pipeline Safety.  These same analytical techniques are recognized by U.S. EPA fugitive emissions monitoring initiatives.

The primary objectives of our technical support services are to establish leak survey and patrol schedules that:

1) Systematically and completely identify and classify gas leaks that pose an immediate or probable hazard to facility personnel, the public and/or property from leaking gas;

2) Locate and identify potential risks within or adjacent to pipeline ROW that observe surface conditions on and adjacent to the transmission line right-of-way for indications of leaks, construction activity, and other factors affecting safety and operation; and

3) Provide an economical maintenance tool to eliminate costly leaks, and identify potentially hazardous conditions that adversely affect safe operations and profitability.

Optical gas imaging, infrared spectroscopy, laser absorption spectroscopy and catalytic bead sensor technologies are used to locate, identify and classify gas leaks from multiple survey points.  Typical survey target include, but are not limited to: ROW transmission lines; distribution system components (mains, and service lines); wellheads and gathering field lines; utility conduits for electric, telephone, sewer, and water systems; cracks in pavement and sidewalks; under building foundations, naturally occurring ground fissures over or adjacent to buried pipelines; railroad and buried pipeline intersects; above ground piping; etc.

"If it is not documented, it did not happen." Every program is suitably documented in a definitive process using controlled hardcopy and electronic media that is modeled after ISO/IEC protocols, and DOT requirements. Daily patrol and leak survey reports are documented at the time of the original observations and measurements.  Daily summary reports are generated within 24-hours.  All documentation is performed and organized in order to facilitate smooth and successful auditing from internal and external assessors.