PFT Technology has perfected a process that quickly and efficiently detects gas and dielectric fluid leaks in the world's most bustling cities without excess excavations or system outages.

The process can help to maintain a safe and secure power network while reducing significant disruption to road users. It can also help save rate payers and utilities money by reducing overall costs to locate leaks. In the past year, the detection process has been used to successfully locate leaks in the United States and Great Britain.

PFT Technology's detection process quickly identifies and narrows the scope of a potential leak area. The detection method begins by injecting non-toxic tracer fluids into underground high-voltage lines insulated with dielectric fluid or gas.

Miles of high-voltage electric lines safely distribute power underground throughout urban areas around the world. They use oil-like dielectric fluid or nitrogen gas to insulate and cool the cable. Using highly sensitive instruments, PFT Technology is then able to detect fluid leaks by searching for the scent of the tracer fluids. The PFT method reduces location time to hours and only uses a single excavation to repair the leaking line.

"This is an environmental solution to a long-term problem as it helps to protect the environment, reduces cost, limits public disruption and improves system reliability," said Patrick Keelan, president of PFT Technology LLC.

National Grid, based in the United Kingdom, was the first utility to successfully use the PFT process in England. Over the past 12 months PFT Technology located 15 leaks, preventing dielectric fluid from entering the soil and waterways. This also prevented unnecessary street excavations and improved system reliability.

Following a pilot program, National Grid has finalized a long-term agreement to use this high-tech solution to locate fluid leaks across its network.