Understanding cooled versus uncooled optical gas imaging
18/07/2019
FLIR Systems has published a technical note that discusses and compares the advantages of cooled versus uncooled optical gas imaging (OGI) technology for different industrial applications.Historically, OGI cameras have been designed with cooled infrared (IR) detectors that offer several advantages over uncooled detectors, but they often come at a higher cost. Advancements in the technology of uncooled detectors have allowed OGI camera manufacturers such as FLIR to design and develop OGI solutions of lower cost for a growing range of industrial applications. However, although lower in cost, there are some limitations to OGI cameras with uncooled detectors compared to those using cooled detectors.
Before comparing the benefits of the two technologies, the authors provide a useful background to the scientific theory of OGI cameras.
The technical note suggests that, when selecting an OGI camera, the first factor to consider is ensuring that the camera in question can visualise the target gas. Though price is often an important consideration in choosing an OGI camera, the article reviews key advantages of cooled OGI cameras, such as increased sensitivity and image quality, which may not only impact the ability to visualise small leaks but may also be important when trying to meet regulatory standards.
The authors also propose that there are advantages to uncooled OGI cameras beyond a lower purchase price, including their low maintenance costs due to the simplicity of their design in which no cooler is needed, potentially making them more appropriate for continuous 24/7 operation applications.
To read the article in full, visit: https://bit.ly/2E5bTjg
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