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Packing Leak Detector® (PLD)

​The first device capable of measuring and maintaining real-time “Zero-Leak” baselines

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M-Squared Packing Leak Detectors® (PLD) are inexpensive and reliable devices providing visual (analog) and digital packing gland leak information for reciprocating compressors.

 

The device allows operators to diagnose their packing assembly, whether new or used, and correct issues to achieve and maintain a “Zero-Leak” baseline.​

Reduce Emissions

Domestically, using the PLD can reduce an estimated 65.1 Bcf / Year of Methane emissions from the production, processing, transportation and storage sectors

Reduce Costs

Reducing methane-contamination of the atmosphere by one-half is equal to saving $45 billion in additional revenue for the producing companies and potential taxable dollars for the Federal & state governments

Reduce Product Loss

Savings in the pollution sector would be 18 million grams (20 tons) of C02 per year less pollution per cylinder. Aggregate savings would be two million tons of C02 equivalent saved per year.

How It Works

Several conditions can cause gas migration along piston rods to packing case vent cups. They can range from piston ring wear/rod drop, over/under lubrication, improper packing gland material installation, to shutting down the compressor fully loaded.  All of these conditions and more can lead to gas flow/leakage through vent lines connected to Packing Leak Detectors (PLDs).

 

As leaking pressure achieves specified thresholds, PLDs provide mechanical visual leak indications and send electronic signals via transmitters to PLD  monitor panels (when configured).

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Non-Invasive Installation

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The PLD is typically installed as close to the operating cylinder packing gland vent as possible. Some compressor rental companies are employing the PLD’s on a temporary basis using poly-flow line and measuring each cylinders packing vent leakage, making corrections, disconnecting the PLD and moving it to the next cylinder for leakage testing.

Rental compressor companies have used this method to prevent “Inks” on offshore and land locations. Currently this method has been accepted by the prevailing inspecting authorities.

Product Details

  • Real‐time, ZERO‐leak baselines for new or rebuilt packing

  • Engineered for different gases and varying rates

  • Can be used for multiple services on a single compressor

  • PLD outlet gases can be redirected for low‐pressure gas applications (i.e. blanket gas, fuel gas, or re-compressed for production)

  • 24 X 7, 365 days local and remote monitoring

  • Installations configured for PLD monitor panels offer the capability to remotely access temperature and/or pressure data

  • Communication via Modbus RTU RS485/RS232

  • Data can be manipulated to meet customers  requirements via provided Modbus registers

  • The PLD is the only device to measure and monitor packing leaks when compressors are shutdown loaded, and the dynamic packing gland is static

Mechanical Pin PLDs

Digital Transmitter & PLC‐equipped PLDs

A visual indicator (pin) extends, in response to packing leaks. The calibrated pin enables visual and rate/volume identification of the gas leak.

Systems using PLD‐PLC Monitor Panels provides flexibility to remotely access information via Modbus registers over RS‐485 Serial COMM and Ethernet. Data can be manipulated by customer to meet specific requirements.

Flyers & Presentation

Download the PLD Flyer and/or Presentation for more information.

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PLD Flyer

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PLD Presentation

Contact us to get a quote.

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