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Visualizing Hydrocarbon Gases Helps Minimize Venting to the Atmosphere

By Flir Systems on

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An in-depth article from FLIR Systems describes how its GF320 Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) camera can be used to more quickly and safely identify hydrocarbon gas venting to the atmosphere in order to reduce product loss and help meet regulatory emission reduction requirements.

A report on technologies for reducing fugitive emissions in oil and gas applications states that the U.S. natural gas industry as a whole emitted 162.4 million metric tons CO2 equivalent of methane in 2015 [1]. In addition to regulatory compliance issues, this level of fugitive emissions equates to significant lost product for operators. As a consequence, the oil and gas industry have been looking at how to best find and repair natural gas leaks at potential escape points, including compressor stations, processing plants, hydraulically-fractured wells, and along transportation lines.

FLIR Systems OGI cameras such as the GF320 can “see” hydrocarbon gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are venting or leaking to the atmosphere.  Major oil and gas producers are using the FLIR GF320 to quickly check thousands of components and identify potential gas leaks in real-time, saving time and ultimately reducing product loss.

In addition to being considerably (5-10 times) faster than a traditional toxic vapor analyzer (TVA), a FLIR GF320 OGI camera enables remote detection of a gas that could potentially explode or cause health issues to those breathing in the gas. Rather than standing in a cloud of gas, as is required using a TVA, operators using an OGI camera can remain on the ground, point to a spot 10 or 20 feet away, and determine if it is venting gas into the atmosphere.

As a result of these advantages, FLIR GF320 OGI cameras are increasingly recommended for use to meet new regulatory emission reduction regulations such as the 2019 Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) legislation. Other countries around the world are likely to implement regulations similar to these proactive North American emissions control and methane reduction regulations in the years to come.

To learn more about the FLIR GF320 camera and to request a copy of the technical paper please visit https://www.flir.co.uk/products/gf320/ or contact FLIR Systems on gasimaging@flir.com and +32-3665-5100.

Founded in 1978, FLIR Systems is a world-leading industrial technology company focused on intelligent sensing solutions for defense, industrial, and commercial applications. FLIR Systems’ vision is to be “The World’s Sixth Sense,” creating technologies to help professionals make more informed decisions that save lives and livelihoods. For more information, please visit www.flir.com and follow @flir.

Flir Systems

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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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