OGI, or optical gas imaging, enables us to see different compounds in the infrared spectrum, otherwise not visible to the naked eye. Therefore, an OGI thermal imaging camera is the ideal tool in the Oil & Gas industry to quickly and safely inspect large areas. OGI cameras work by detecting radiation of specific compounds within the infrared spectrum, then converting that into an image that we can see. For example, we can use OGI cameras to detect sources of methane gas leaks on oil and gas pipelines, as well as to detect tiny leaks on large storage tanks.
There are two types of optical gas camera, cooled and uncooled.
The cooled camera uses a cryogenic cooler, making the camera much more sensitive (capable of detecting a tiny flow rate) and enables us to see compounds in the MWIR (mid-wave) infrared spectrum. In the MWIR spectrum, we can detect over 400 VOCs, compared with a handful in the LWIR (long-wave) infrared spectrum.
An uncooled OGI camera doesn’t require a cryogenic cooler; it is less sensitive and can detect compounds in the LWIR spectrum. However, we can detect fewer types of gasses and larger leaks.
All compounds have a different absorption characteristic and are visible in different “strengths.” Some are easier to detect, while others are harder. What makes EyeCGas 2.0 unique is the ability to change the spectral filter, which enables better detection of VOCs, especially at longer distances.
Using the cooled OGI camera (EyeCGas 2.0), we can detect over 400 different types of gasses. These gasses include but are not limited to Methane, Benzene, Butadiene, Butene, Butane, Dimethyl-Benzene, Ethane, Ethylene, Ethyl Benzene, Ethylene Oxide, Hexane, Propane, and many more.
Using the uncooled OGI camera (EyeCGas Mini), we can “see” gasses such as Methane (in medium to large concentration), SF6 (Sulfur Hexafluoride), Ammonia, and Refrigerants.
Click here for a partial list of compounds you can detect using the EyeCGas 2.0
If you have a specific question about a particular compound, contact us. We will be happy to verify which advanced Optical Gas Imaging camera is best suited to your application.
