Pipeline inspection using optical gas imaging
07/02/2020
FLIR Systems has published a new application spotlight that highlights the role its optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras are playing in detecting gas leaks in oil and gas pipelines.Oil and gas pipelines often stretch long distances and carry a variety of materials. Sometimes the pipes fail, resulting in liquid leaks or fugitive emissions of gas being released into the environment. Leaks may be caught at an early stage through routine inspections, but this is challenging to accomplish when there are many miles of pipeline in a system and they are often in remote locations. Oil & gas companies need the flexibility to be able to clearly identify pipeline leaks remotely and with live inspection personnel on site.
Thermal imaging technology makes it possible to quickly inspect pipelines for leaks, both on and off site. With a hand-held thermal camera, such as the FLIR GF620, maintenance teams can complete on-site inspections for temperature problems and hydrocarbon gas emissions. For remote inspections of pipelines, an unmanned aerial vehicle – or drone – allows operators to easily inspect pipelines that are located both above and below ground.
The application spotlight describes how oil & gas technicians and engineers are identifying leaks day and night using FLIR hand-held thermal imagers or drone-mounted payloads. A hand-held thermal imager is the easiest way to inspect pipelines in locations contained within a large facility. For pipelines in remote locations, a drone-mounted FLIR solution offers the most efficient results. It not only allows a quick and thorough inspection of the pipeline to be performed but also enables the user to quickly assess the information and relay issues to a control room for corrective action. Real-time streaming can also immediately transmit visual and thermal data to control room operators for fast corrective action.
www.flir.com/oilandgas/transmission-transportation
