In the picture on gas emissions

Portable thermal imaging has helped transform plant maintenance and now, says Flir, it is doing the same for the detection and control of gas emissions

Thermal imaging allows thousands of components to be scanned in a single shift without the need to interrupt the process. Gas leaks are visualised in real time at a safe distance and the thermal image reveals not just the results of the leak but also its source. And by changing lenses the operator can capture a complete scene or focus on a small detail.

Thermal imaging can be used to detect a broad range of greenhouse gases and VOCs.

Carbon monoxide is another gas that is easily visible with the appropriate camera.

Such is the sensitivity of some models that even the smallest leaks can be seen and this is particularly important when looking as gases such as SF6 that is 24,000 times more dangerous to the environment than CO2.

The leak appears in real time as a plume of smoke through the camera's viewfinder or LCD. Flir believes a thermal sensitivity of less than 25mK should be the benchmark specification for this field of work and some models also have a high sensitivity mode to enhance their capability.

At start-up there is no need for any complicated setting procedure. As cooled cameras are used for gas detection, they just need a few moments to cool down to the required temperature but after that images are instantly available. No post-processing is involved and the resultant video footage is simply played back via a proprietary media player such as Windows. The information is therefore easily incorporated into reports, emailed, shared with colleagues and archived.

What about cost? By comparison with sniffer technology, thermal imaging is a high-end solution.

However, the key aspect here is value for money and the benefit of thermal imaging is that it can be used to scan large areas and even kilometres of pipeline in real time from a moving vehicle.

Minimising leaks however is not just about ensuring environmental compliance, it's also about containing operating costs.

Thermal imaging is very efficient at providing the necessary information to satisfy both requirements.

The latest generation of these cameras have also introduced another important capability. They are dual use. As well as providing thermal images of leaks they are fully radiometric. This means that the camera's infrared technology can be used to measure the thermal performance of anything with an operating temperature above absolute zero.

So, in addition to gas detection, the camera can also be used for electrical and mechanical maintenance applications too.

This adds considerable value to the camera and allows it to provide a swift return on investment.