H. VENNERBERG, INFICON AB, Linköping, Sweden
As the global energy sector intensifies its efforts to tackle climate change, methane (CH4) emissions have emerged as a critical focus. CH4, the main component of natural gas, has more than 80 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide (CO2) over a 20-yr period. Unintentional leaks from pipelines, wellheads, compressors, valves and processing facilities are not only a major environmental concern, they pose serious safety and operational risks.
To address this, many companies have implemented leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs. These programs aim to identify and fix fugitive emissions before they escalate into larger hazards. LDAR has long been championed for its safety benefits, but as regulations, technologies and infrastructure evolve, there is a growing need to emphasize environmental aspects with equal weight without losing the safety aspect. This is particularly urgent as industry begins integrating hydrogen (H2) into gas systems.
The energy landscape is undergoing rapid transformation. Digital tools, remote sensing and advanced analytics are revolutionizing LDAR capabilities (FIG. 1). Technologies once seen as futuristic—like drone-mounted sensors or satellite-based CH4 monitoring—are now part of operational toolkits. Yet, while these innovations improve detection and efficiency, they also introduce new challenges. Chief among them is ensuring that the equipment used in hazardous environments meets stringent safety standards.
CH4 leaks often occur at small, localized components that require technicians to physically enter hazardous areas. This direct interaction means handheld tools must be intrinsically safe. H2's introduction into the grid complicates matters further. Unlike CH4, H2 has a lower ignition energy and a wider flammability range. It also diffuses more easily, making it more difficult to contain and more likely to form explosive mixtures in confined spaces. These properties necessitate a higher level of vigilance when it comes to equipment certification.
Three major systems govern explosion protection ratings worldwide: ATmosphères EXplosibles (ATEX, used in the EU), IECEx (internationally recognized) and the North American Class/Division system. These frameworks classify hazardous areas and define what equipment can be used safely within them. For H2-rich environments, the requirements are more rigorous. Equipment must be certified for Gas Group IIC under ATEX/IECEx or Group A under the North American system—the highest level of explosion protection.
Another key consideration is the Zone or Division classification. Instruments used in areas where explosive gases are frequently or continuously present under normal conditions need Zone 0 or Zone 1 (ATEX/IECEx) or Class I, Division 1 (North America) ratings. Many modern LDAR instruments, especially high-tech or remote models, are not certified for these high-risk zones. This can lead to dangerous assumptions, where advanced tools are deployed in environments they are not rated for, exposing operations to legal, financial and safety risks.
Temperature class is equally critical. H2 ignites at around 560°C (1,040°F), so equipment must have surface temperatures well below this threshold. T3-rated equipment [with a maximum surface temperature of 200°C (392°F)] is generally considered safe and provides a conservative safety margin for H2applications.
What complicates matters further is the longevity of LDAR instruments. Most devices are expected to remain in use for 8 yrs–10 yrs. That means the purchasing decisions made today will shape operational safety well into the next decade. Even if a company currently handles only CH4, its grid could be H2-blended in the near future. Equipment that is not certified for H2 may soon become obsolete, requiring premature replacement or, worse, presenting safety liabilities if misused.
Investing in H2-safe tools is not just about regulatory compliance—it is a strategic decision that safeguards operational continuity. Instruments with forward-compatible certifications offer flexibility, reduce future CAPEX and enable seamless adaptation as the gas landscape evolves.
Moreover, while remote sensing and predictive maintenance tools are reshaping how we think about leak detection, they do not eliminate the need for ground-level confirmation. A drone may spot an anomaly, and a sensor may flag a concentration spike, but human technicians must still approach the leak site to verify and repair the issue. At that moment, equipment safety ratings become crucial. If a device is not certified for the specific explosive atmosphere, it cannot legally or safely be used, and the entire LDAR workflow breaks down.
This is not merely a technical oversight: it has real-world consequences. Using non-certified equipment in explosive atmospheres, especially those involving H2, can invalidate insurance, breach safety protocols and, in the worst-case scenario, trigger a catastrophic event.
The shift toward H2 is not hypothetical. Around the world, countries are advancing H2 production, infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. Blending H2 into existing gas networks is already underway in many regions, and dedicated H2 pipelines are on the horizon. This evolution calls for a reassessment of equipment standards across the board.
As such, LDAR programs must evolve. They must integrate safety as a core pillar, alongside emissions reduction and digital innovation. Safety certifications should be a top priority during procurement, rather than an afterthought. Teams must be trained to understand gas group classifications, zone requirements and intrinsic safety standards. Perhaps most importantly, organizations must future-proof their technology stack to accommodate the inevitability of H2.
This dual focus on sustainability and safety is not just good practice—it is essential risk management. In an industry where margins are tight and reputational risk is high, cutting corners on explosion protection is a false economy. The tools chosen today are the foundation for tomorrow’s resilience.
Takeaway. LDAR programs remain a cornerstone of modern gas infrastructure. As we transition toward a decarbonized future, these programs must expand their scope. Emissions detection must go hand-in-hand with robust safety protocols. The integration of H2 requires it, the longevity of equipment demands it and the safety of people working in potentially explosive environments depends on it.
Forward-thinking companies will not only reduce CH4 emissions but will do so with equipment that is as safe as it is smart. Because, in the race to reduce emissions, safety is not a secondary concern—it is the foundation of success. H2T
Henrik Vennerberg is Market Segment Manager Energy in the leak detection division of INFICON. He has more than 20 yrs of experience in product development, manufacturing and application support towards the energy and automotive industry with special focus in natural gas and H2 leak detection.