BLV BL-CH4 400 Successfully Completes Methane Detection Field Trial at a Refinery Complex in Malaysia

BLV Technology has successfully completed a field trial of its BL-CH4 400 airborne laser methane detection system at a refinery complex in Malaysia, demonstrating reliable performance under challenging tropical industrial conditions.

As part of BLV’s continued expansion into international energy markets, the project focused on evaluating methane monitoring capabilities in a large-scale refining environment characterized by complex infrastructure, high temperatures, elevated humidity, and coastal operating conditions

Refineries are among the most demanding industrial environments for gas leak detection. Large facilities typically contain extensive networks of pipelines, valves, storage tanks, processing units, and elevated structures that can be difficult and time-consuming to inspect using conventional methods.

The Malaysian refinery presented several common inspection challenges:

• High temperature and humidity levels associated with tropical climates

• Salt-laden coastal air that can accelerate equipment corrosion

• Dense concentrations of process equipment and elevated pipeline corridors

• Safety risks associated with manual inspections in hazardous areas

• Growing requirements for methane emission monitoring, LDAR programs, and environmental compliance

Traditional handheld gas detectors often require close-range access, increasing inspection time and exposing personnel to operational risks in complex industrial environments.

Field Performance of the BL-CH4 400

Powered by BLV’s proprietary TDLAS (Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy) technology, the BL-CH4 400 delivered stable and reliable performance throughout the field trial.

High-Sensitivity Methane Detection

With detection sensitivity down to 1 ppm·m, the system successfully identified low-concentration methane emissions from pipelines, flanges, and process equipment, helping operators detect potential leak sources before they develop into larger safety concerns.

Safe Remote Inspection

The BL-CH4 400 supports non-contact methane detection at distances of up to 150 m and 300 m, allowing inspections to be conducted without requiring personnel to approach hazardous process units or elevated structures.

Rapid Leak Localization

The system responds to methane concentration changes within milliseconds and integrates GPS positioning and visual imaging capabilities, enabling operators to quickly locate, document, and investigate potential leak sources.

Adapted for Tropical Coastal Conditions

Featuring an IP54-rated industrial design, the BL-CH4 400 demonstrated stable operation in the refinery’s hot, humid, and coastal environment, providing reliable performance under demanding outdoor conditions.

Digital Data Management

Combined with BLV’s intelligent inspection workflow, the system supports autonomous flight missions, cloud-based data storage, inspection record management, and automated reporting, helping operators streamline methane monitoring and compliance documentation.

Supporting Safer and Smarter Refinery Operations

The successful completion of this refinery field trial marks another milestone in BLV’s growing presence within the Southeast Asian energy sector.

By combining drone-based methane detection, intelligent inspection workflows, and digital data management, BLV helps industrial operators improve safety, reduce inspection costs, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen environmental compliance.

As global demand for methane monitoring and emission reduction continues to increase, BLV remains committed to delivering advanced air-ground integrated inspection solutions that support safer, smarter, and more sustainable industrial operations worldwide.