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Comparing the Performance of Optical Gas Imaging Cameras

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By Flir Systems on

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FLIR Systems has published a technical paper that introduces the benefits of using Noise Equivalent Concentration Length (NECL) as a useful method to measure the performance of an Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) camera.

Optical gas imaging (OGI) is widely used in the oil and gas industry to detect leaks. Operators of gas distribution networks, processing plants, pipeline facilities, terminals, and offshore platforms all want to find and repair leaks to prevent explosions, minimize loss of their product, and comply with environmental and safety regulations. OGI provides a straightforward and affordable method to visualize plumes of gas that would otherwise be invisible, allowing companies to trace and repair the source of the leaks. This imaging technique, which relies on thermal cameras that measure changes in infrared (IR) radiation as it passes through gas, is still relatively new and no official standard yet exists to characterize how good a job any particular camera does at detecting leaks, or to say how small a leak a given camera can find.

The article introduces how Noise Equivalent Concentration Length (NECL), which is a measurement of how much gas over a path of a certain length can be detected above the intrinsic noise of the camera, presents itself as a strong candidate to be used as a standard.

The authors discuss and explain how NECL is easy to set-up and measure, is similar to another familiar measurement (NEDT), and through offering a measure of sensitivity provides a simple objective way to compare the performance of different cameras.

For a copy of this paper please visit https://www.flir.com/discover/instruments/gas-detection/noise-equivalent-concentration-length-the-new-standard-for-optical-gas-imaging/ or contact FLIR Systems in Europe on +32-3665-5100 or gasimaging@flir.com.

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FLIR Systems specialises in technologies that enhance perception and awareness.  The company brings innovative sensing solutions into daily life through its thermal imaging and visible light imaging technology and systems for measurement, diagnosis, location and advanced threat detection.  Its products improve the way people interact with the world around them, enhance productivity, increase energy efficiency and make the workplace safer.

FLIR Systems has six operating segments – surveillance, instruments, OEM and emerging markets, maritime, security and finally, detection. Of these six, ‘instruments’ is of greatest interest to trade and industry and the second largest segment in the company’s portfolio. This division provides devices that image, measure and assess thermal energy, gases and other environmental elements for industrial, commercial and scientific applications.

These products are manufactured across five production sites, three in the USA and two in Europe; Sweden and Estonia.

A model to suit every application and budget
The options that FLIR Systems provides for measuring temperature and studying thermal performance have never been greater.  Not only does the company offer a huge range of models to suit all thermal application needs but the technology is also affordable and very easy to use.  Thermal cameras now come in various shapes, sizes and degrees of sophistication and FLIR continues to invest heavily in the development of new and complementary technologies to differentiate itself from competitors.

An important milestone in the development of thermal imaging has been the introduction of the FLIR Lepton® core, a micro longwave detector, the size of a mobile SIM.  This has allowed thermal imaging to be repackaged to meet the needs of an even wider audience and, in combination with another new technology called Infrared Guided Measurement – IGM™ – has led to the development of a range of test and measurement meters with imaging capability.

Another important growth area for FLIR thermal imaging is in continuous monitoring to assure quality and safety.  Through its introduction of discrete fixed mounted thermal cameras which are fully compliant industry standard plug-and-play protocols, FLIR Systems has provided industry with infrared machine vision which is instantly ready for quick and easy network installation.

Protecting assets and people from fire is an area for which thermal imaging is least known but, thanks to FLIR Systems’ development, it is now one of the most cost-effective methods available.  Its application flexibility and rapid return on investment present an attractive proposition for any site or safety manager.

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