Optical Gas Imaging Cameras Introduced for Continuous Monitoring

FLIR Systems, Inc. has announced the introduction of three new thermal cameras for optical gas detection: the FLIR G300a, G300pt and A6604. These cameras provide vital new tools for monitoring gas pipelines and installations from safe distances.

Optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras are widely used in industrial settings, such as oil refineries, natural gas processing plants, offshore platforms, chemical/ petrochemical facilities, and biogas and power generation plants. They improve efficiency by allowing inspectors to scan wide areas quickly, without interrupting normal operations.

These new infrared cameras can also play a major role in minimizing environmental damage by detecting the unintended emissions of dozens of volatile organic and inorganic compounds. Each model contains a cooled Indium Antimonide (InSb) detector, which enhances the sensitivity of each camera to detect even the smallest gas emissions. The G300a and G300pt cameras have a resolution of 320 × 240 pixels, while the A6604 has a resolution of 640 × 512 pixels. Each camera can be controlled via Ethernet, or integrated into any TCP/IP network. They are also GEV/Genicam-compatible.

The G300a and A6604 cameras require an additional housing while the G300pt comes with its own housing mounted on a pan/tilt mechanism. The housing can rotate the camera 360° continuously and tilt +/- 90°. It also enables users to monitor different areas with the same system. The G300pt is equipped with a long range daylight/low light camera, and the video output of the thermal and daylight/low light cameras are simultaneously available. Users can monitor electrical substations or other equipment that is in the same field-of-view.

"As the World's Sixth Sense, FLIR continues to save lives, increase energy efficiency, and protect the environment through the use of our innovative products and technology." said Andy Teich, FLIR's President and CEO. "FLIR's industry leading Optical Gas Imaging cameras are game-changing tools in the effort to reduce fugitive gas emissions globally through improved detection and mediation programs."

The three new FLIR cameras detect the following gases: Benzene, Ethanol, Ethylbenzene, Heptane, Hexane, Isoprene, Methanol, MEK, MIBK, Octane, Pentane, 1-Pentene, Toluene, Xylene, Butane, Ethane, Methane, Propane, Ethylene and Propylene.