Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) Technique for Fugitive Emissions Control

The growing attention and sensitivity to environmental issues lead the petroleum industries to implement actions aimed at reducing emissions. As a result, following the obtaining of integrated environmental permits (e.g., AIA), requirements are imposed so that users demonstrate the effectiveness of their environmental protection programs.

An innovative system, considered valid for detecting such possible emissions, is the infrared technique, which exploits the different emissivity of gases compared to air, applied in the OGI (Optical Gas Imaging) methodology, capable of highlighting and locating VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emission points.

Optical Gas Imaging techniques are proving to be an increasingly effective and economically competitive methodology for identifying and monitoring emission points in industrial plants.

An OGI camera can potentially detect active emission sources in the plant that would not be identifiable using conventional detection instruments.

The OGI technique can also be a good support for developing the parameters used to implement mathematical models that allow for the quantification of annual emissions.

In general, worldwide regulations specify thousands of inspection points and the frequency with which they must be monitored. A complete system for testing and repairing leaks and fugitive emissions can provide significant competitive advantages, reducing maintenance and inspection costs while improving worker safety and environmental quality, both inside and outside the facility.

The oil and gas industry relies heavily on thermography to prevent costly and dangerous emissions. Infrared thermal cameras help detect gas leaks before they become a problem with negative service repercussions. This explains why thermography is important for preventive maintenance programs worldwide.

Infrared thermal cameras for the oil and gas industry represent preventive maintenance solutions that help detect leaks in tankers, pipelines, and plants, thereby improving safety and profitability while minimising emissions and reducing the risk of operational disruptions due to regulatory agency actions. Thanks to their ability to quickly analyse large areas and kilometres of pipelines, this highly specialised infrared camera, or thermal imager, can detect gas leaks in a very short time.