| Abstract Title: | Innovative Optical multi Gas Imaging core for large scale adoption and fugitive emissions mitigation |
| Presenter Name: | Dr Francisco Cortés |
| Co-authors: | Mr Rodrigo Morales Mr Juan Jose Frutos Mr Hector Robles Mr Andres Russu Prof Fernando Lopez |
| Company/Organisation: | SENSIA Solutions S. L |
| Country: | Spain |
Abstract Information :
Sensia Solutions is a spin-off company of Carlos III University of Madrid. Sensia develops high added value solution based on cutting edge infrared (IR) imaging technology.
Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) consist on an IR camera spectrally adapted at specific gas absorption wavelengths. OGI technology is used by the industries for remote detection and location of gas leaks on their processes, and then reduce Green House Gas emissions for the case of environmental approach as well as reduce risk associated to toxic or explosive gases for the case of safety approach. The cost associated to the existing technology for Optical Gas Imaging instruments do not permit a deep penetration of the OGI technology to be used as a tool for the daily operation and maintenance activities. OGI technology is currently used in sporadic Leak Detection And Repair (LDAR) campaigns. This "campaign based" approach is currently promulgated by the environmental regulation bodies because technological context, but the absence of efficient tools in the regular activities of the technicians makes that nowadays a high level of fugitive emissions is happening in many installations such as methane and other GLP's molecules in refineries, natural gas in pipelines, SO2 in chemical factories, SF6 in utilities installations, etc. This existing situation will make difficult to fulfill with the COP21 objectives in terms of GHG emissions reduction.
Sensia has developed a cost-effective IR camera core for its application at three different operational cases
(1) compact OGI for handheld operation
(2) fix OGI for its operation as 24/7 system for early detection of leaks
(3) portable OGI for its dual operation with tablet-PC or boarding on a drone.
Thanks to this approach, the penetration of the OGI will become a reality allowing to the users getting the benefits of the OGI implementation at daily activities of the industries.
The main innovation of this technology is the use of uncooled sensor that allow the cost reduction in components. Also, this uncooled technology has other benefits such as improved SWaP factor as well as maintenance cost and the reliability for 24/7 operation.
Finally, the OGI core developed by Sensia allows to target different gases and applications of interest such as combustible molecules (LPG's and natural gas), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), refrigerant gases as freons and others, etc.
This paper/contribution describes the main innovation of the core OGI technology as well as the main characteristics and performance of the three cases of use developed.
Sensia is conducting its activities within the framework of GaSeS, a project funded by the European Commission Horizon 2020 SME Instrument for highly innovative small enterprises.
