IntelliView launches automated methane leak detection camera

The DCAM-M is the latest installment in IntelliView’s leak detection series and consists of a thermal imager, a visual sensor, and built-in patented and proprietary image processing software. The fixed-format optical gas imaging (OGI) camera is first to integrate the GF77a Gas Find IR, FLIR System’s first uncooled infrared sensor spectrally filtered to visualise methane, sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide in any lighting condition.

The AI-driven DCAM-M constantly looks for leaking methane gas and generates immediate notifications accompanied by image and video of the gas plume or jet. The ability to discover leaks early and remotely allows operators of distant and/or unmanned natural gas production, processing, storage, transportation and power generation facilities to respond quickly and reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint. The edge-based unit adds a layer of insurance to Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) programmes and is also suitable for keeping an eye on components that are difficult to monitor (DTM) or highly unsafe to approach from the ground.

“As a company focused on driving the cost-performance envelop to protect personnel, assets and the environment through automated solutions, IntelliView needed an affordable methane imager that covered a wide range of detection requirements but also backed by a reputation of technological innovation,” said Chris Beadle, IntelliView Sales and Marketing Vice President. “The groundbreaking GF77a, an alternative to the more expensive cooled variants and other gas cloud imaging sensors, was instrumental in the development of our first methane detection system for addressing the GHG challenge.”

Collaboration with FLIR, a global leader in thermal imaging technologies, has made the DCAM-M accessible to more energy companies, helping support the industry’s methane mitigation initiatives and safety goals.

“FLIR is pleased to be partnered with IntelliView to launch this revolutionary new product, the DCAM-M, which utilises the FLIR GF77a as its core sensor,” said Rob Milner, FLIR Systems National Science, Automation, Optical Gas Imaging & sUAS Manager. “By providing the ability to immediately alarm on dangerous large methane leaks we will fulfill our mission to save lives and livelihoods.”

In addition to delivering HSE benefits, the DCAM-M brings cost savings resulting from reduced or averted carbon fees and regulatory fines, fewer site visits, minimised product loss, improved operation efficiency, and strengthened infrastructure integrity.

The design of the DCAM-M incorporates the integrated technology advantages of the field-proven, longwave infrared (LWIR) based IntelliView liquid leak detection platform. The included full HD colour camera enables thermographic image verification and can be used for general surveillance applications. By processing on-site, the IIoT system uses minimal bandwidth and provides cost-effective monitoring of distributed assets, such as well pads and compressor stations. In-house optimisation using proprietary techniques is standard to ensure high detection accuracy and low false alert rates from common triggers, including heavy rain, snow, smoke, workers and wildlife.

Other key features of the DCAM-M are multiple analytic regions per camera for covering more than one piece of equipment or application, hardware and software scalability to meet unique and changing operational needs, and personalisable alerting options (email, control station, web and SCADA) for sending actionable information to various stakeholders.

Image courtesy of IntelliView

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/product-news/24022020/intelliview-launches-automated-methane-leak-detection-camera/