New laser leak detector for gas pipelines intended to improve safety

Englewood-based Aviation Technology Services-Denver, a privately held software company, is betting its new aerial laser leak detection system for gas pipelines will be a success.

During blind tests at the Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Center near Casper, Wyo., the system found 25 percent more leaks than any other system tested and detected 90 percent of all gas released in the test.

The helicopter-based laser system combines a methane-sensitive laser with a digital video record of the pipeline and should improve public safety and decrease environmental pollution, the company said.

Colorado Interstate Gas Co. in Colorado Springs is among the clients being targeted.