SoCalGas R&D shows pilots that raise detection hit rates and component designs that could cut meter leaks
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Summary
SoCalGas R&D described pilots — 37 USPS‑mounted passive sensors, expanded aero methane mapping and algorithm training — with improving hit rates and several component redesigns (valves, threaded fittings, ultrasonic meters) that R&D estimates could reduce thousands of MCF if rolled out.
SoCalGas research and development staff presented pilot results and component studies intended to detect and reduce methane emissions more cost‑effectively.
Eric Rodriguez, the company’s gas emissions R&D manager, described a passive mobile methane detection pilot that attached simple methane concentration sensors to USPS vehicles across a pilot territory. He said the pilot started collecting data in August 2025 with 37 units deployed and that hit rates improved month‑to‑month (examples: August five indications with 0 verified leaks; November 24 indications with roughly a 50% verification rate). Rodriguez said the vendor algorithm improved with feedback and increased coverage made anomalies easier to detect.
Rodriguez also described work to improve aero methane mapping (AMM) cost‑effectiveness by operating sensors during transit, algorithm training using verified AMM detections (producing ~95% correct identification in validation) and applying those algorithms to four years of data to surface roughly 6,000 indications in historically unmonitored areas. Selected field visits in one district produced a mix of customer‑side leaks, water‑system anomalies and normal consumption patterns, indicating the need to refine filters and validation approaches.
On hardware, Rodriguez described sealant testing for high‑temperature/high‑pressure storage connections (16 sealants tested; two tapes passed long‑term lab tests), and meter‑set component work that identified valve stem seals, threaded connections and swivel‑nut interfaces as common failure modes. He presented a vendor valve with an integrated insulating bushing and argued that reducing threaded connections could statistically lower the number of leaks; he estimated certain valve and meter interventions could address over 100,000 MCF annually in the company’s Appendix 6 category.
Rodriguez said the R&D portfolio will be incorporated into the broader GRC/R&D program consistent with Resolution G3605 and that additional field validation and cost studies will be required before large‑scale deployment.
CPUC staff asked to be included in study designs and in field sample collection to validate methods; SoCalGas agreed to follow up and share study details.
