Early Detection, Big Savings: The Business Case for Polymer Absorption Sensors

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Hydrocarbon leaks pose a significant and recurring financial and environmental threat across U.S. industries, from pipelines and industrial plants to commercial buildings and airports. National data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, EPA, and NOAA confirm that even modest leaks can rapidly escalate into multi-million-dollar cleanup efforts when not detected early. Traditional detection methods such as SCADA systems, visual inspections, and infrared imaging often fail to catch small or slow leaks in time, leaving businesses exposed to regulatory penalties, environmental damage, and operational downtime.

Polymer Absorption Sensor (PAS) technology offers a compelling solution. Using engineered polymers that react instantly upon contact with hydrocarbon liquids, PAS provides real-time, location-specific alerts the moment a leak occurs. Unlike pressure-based or optical systems, PAS operates on direct fluid contact, making it ideal for detecting small leaks before they become large-scale incidents. This technology can be deployed along pipelines, beneath tanks, and around fuel infrastructure, and is already commercially available from providers such as Naftosense of Dublin, Ohio.

The economic rationale is strong: cleanup costs can exceed $200 per gallon spilled, and delayed detection often leads to environmental contamination and extended facility shutdowns. A leak detected within an hour might cost $12,000 to remediate; the same leak left unnoticed for a week could cost over $2 million. By preventing just one significant spill, PAS systems can deliver a tenfold return on investment.

PAS technology enhances existing monitoring systems and fulfills emerging regulatory requirements for advanced leak detection. It empowers companies to shift from reactive to proactive spill prevention—protecting both the bottom line and the environment. For operators in energy, aviation, manufacturing, and commercial real estate, the message is clear: investing in PAS technology is not only good stewardship—it’s good business.

https://naftosense.com
(614) 350-0911

Naftosense: Industry Leaders in Leak Detection

Naftosense, based in Dublin, Ohio, specializes in designing and manufacturing advanced hydrocarbon leak detection systems. Their products are engineered to detect the presence of hydrocarbons such as refined fuels, crude oils, lubricants, dielectric oils, solvents, and various petrochemical compounds. With hundreds of deployments across North America, Naftosense has become one of the fastest-growing brands in engineered leak detection systems on the continent. 

Innovative Leak Detection Products

At the core of Naftosense's technology lies the Polymer Absorption Sensor (PAS), specifically their Elastomer Absorption Sensors. Developed in the 1950s, PAS technology has a proven track record of detecting hydrocarbons in extreme conditions, enabling real-time, cost-effective monitoring of critical infrastructure integrity. Naftosense's products seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure, allowing for quick and easy deployment in almost any facility. 

Naftosense offers a comprehensive range of leak detection solutions, including:

Leak Detection Cables: Designed for both above-ground and underground applications, these cables provide rapid detection of light and heavy hydrocarbons. They are suitable for use around tanks, pipelines, process equipment, and more. 

Point Sensors: Fully encapsulated, high-performance sensing probes detect leaks of refined products or crude oil on water surfaces. These sensors are engineered for reliable operation during long-term immersion in water and in extreme environmental conditions. 

Control and Monitoring Devices: Naftosense provides control panels and monitoring devices that supervise the leak detection system, ensuring fast, reliable, and precise communication of unwanted hydrocarbon presence. 

All products come with a 10-year factory warranty, underscoring Naftosense's commitment to quality and reliability. 

Serving Diverse Industries

Naftosense's leak detection systems cater to a wide array of industries, including:

Refineries: Modern petrochemical facilities rely on Naftosense for rapid detection throughout the refining process, enhancing overall safety and efficiency. 

Pipeline Operations: Designed to meet the rigorous demands of pipeline companies, Naftosense's systems offer wireless communication, long-life battery power, and long-term deployment capabilities in remote arctic and tropical environments, all without false alarms. 

Tank Farms: Whether for new builds, retrofits, or tank rebuilds of various sizes and constructions, Naftosense provides solutions that detect hydrocarbons swiftly, preventing minor leaks from escalating into significant incidents. 

Power Generation: Major power generation facilities utilize Naftosense's systems to monitor critical equipment such as transformers, turbines, and generators, especially crucial amid staff reductions and increased power demand. 

Containment Basins and Oil-on-Water Detection: Facilities concerned with environmental implications of hydrocarbon releases into sumps and drains benefit from Naftosense's point sensors, ideal for remote locations and ensuring confident drainage. 

Drilling Operations: Both horizontal and vertical drilling operations face challenges in detecting small leaks around old pipeline repairs and aging tanks. Naftosense's point sensors, when used in small diameter slotted tubes, effectively detect gas and liquid hydrocarbon leaks. 

Generator and Day Tanks: Naftosense offers comprehensive and reliable leak detection systems for emergency generators, diesel day tanks, and associated plumbing, safeguarding modern buildings from potential property damage, environmental pollution, and threats to human life. 

By providing innovative and reliable hydrocarbon leak detection solutions, Naftosense plays a pivotal role in enhancing safety and environmental protection across multiple industries. 

https://naftosense.com
(614) 350-0911