CEM India - Abstract

Abstract Information :

SUMMARY
The paper is on Use of Optical Gas Imaging for Visualizing Gas Leakage and other Thermal camera applications in Oil & Gas sector. The paper follows below pattern of explanations: -
• Basics- IR Technology
• Applications
- Visualization of VOC gases
- Fire Prevention
- Fire fighting
- Flare Monitoring
- Tank Level detection
- IRW
- Security Applications
• Conclusion

DETAILS:-
• Basics-IR technology
All objects above absolute Zero emit Infrared radiations. Purpose of Infrared Camera is to convert those IR radiations to electrical signal which gets converted to picture. Hence, Thermal imaging, also called Infrared Thermography, is the production of “heat” pictures through which temperature measurements can be done accurately, without any physical contact to the object/instrument in operation
In Electromagnetic Spectrum, as explained in Fig 1, Infrared is surrounded by visible light and Microwaves, which we all understand very well. Infrared is subdivided into 3 wavelengths
1. Short Wave
2. Medium Wave
3. Long Wave
Nowadays in most of electrical Predictive Maintenance applications, Long wave ( 8-12 um) is being used due to many advantages.
• Applications- Visualization of VOC
Many chemical compounds and gases are invisible to the naked eye. Yet many companies work intensively with these substances before, during and after their production processes. Strict regulations govern how companies are to trace, document, rectify and report any leaks of volatile gaseous compounds, and how often these procedures are to be carried out.

Earlier methods of gas detection required close or near contact using “sniffer” technology and probes. The limitations of these methods are that they are time consuming and run a risk of missing gas leaks. They may expose inspectors to invisible and potentially harmful chemicals, and do not allow for wind and weather factors that can produce inaccurate measurements. In addition, they can only tell us something about the test points that have been identified beforehand and only give readings within the immediate vicinity of the inspector.

Gas detection cameras are infrared cameras which are able to visualize gas by utilizing the physics of fugitive gas leaks. The camera produces a full picture of the scanned area and leaks appear as smoke on the camera’s viewfinder or LCD, allowing the user to see fugitive gas emissions. The image is viewed in real time and can be recorded in the camera for easy archiving. Sample Infrared image showing gas leakage attached below.

The key success factors for businesses today are safety, efficiency and profitability. When carrying out maintenance, it is of vital importance that maintenance engineers are able to obtain as complete a picture as possible of the condition of the plant. An infrared camera is an extremely important tool for tracing potential faults.

Using a gas detection camera you get a complete picture and can immediately exclude areas that do not need any action. This means you can achieve enormous savings in terms of time and personnel.

Safe Scanning
A Gas Detection camera is a quick, non-contact measuring instrument that can also be used in hard-to-access locations. It can detect small leaks from several meters away and big leaks from hundreds of metres away. It can even show leaks on moving transport vehicles, greatly improving the inspector’s and the overall plant safety. Other Below applications will be discussed in detail during presentation.

-Fire Prevention
- Fire fighting
- Flare Monitoring
- Tank Level detection
- IRW
- Security Applications

CONCLUSION
Based upon above detailed discussions, it is very clear that this amazing technology if used properly can help Oil and Gas utilities to visualize VOC and prevent costly service interruptions and exorbitant Equipment losses, apart from other intangible benefits.