High-performance acoustic imaging in hazardous locations

04/09/2025

FLIR, a Teledyne Technologies company, has announced an International Electrotechnical Commission Explosive (IECEx)-certified version of the Si2x, an advanced industrial acoustic imaging camera purpose-built for professional inspectors who need fast, accurate compressed air and gas leak detection in hazardous environments. Now certified to both Atmosphères Explosibles (ATEX) and IECEx standards, the FLIR Si2x is engineered for safe operation in explosive atmospheres while delivering industry-leading performance and usability.

Compressed air and pressurised gas leaks, mechanical faults and partial discharge are all common and costly issues in industrial sectors such as chemical processing, oil & gas and pharmaceuticals, where safety and reliability are paramount. The FLIR Si2x empowers maintenance professionals to quickly and precisely identify and quantify these issues, even in environments where traditional tools are not permitted.

 

  
  FLIR Si2x series enables reliable detection of pressurised gas leaks, mechanical faults and partial discharge in explosive vapour and dust-ridden environments 


The Si2x is fully ATEX and IECEx certified for use in hazardous locations, enabling safe and compliant inspections in explosive atmospheres, and a highly sensitive microphone array delivers pinpoint accuracy for fault detection up to 200 m away, making it ideal for high ceilings, hard-to-reach assets and noisy plant floors.

On-device quantification allows users to instantly view leak size and estimated annual cost, as well as partial discharge severity, enabling prioritisation of repairs and fast return on investment (ROI). Data can be used to support both environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability reporting initiatives.

A customisable band-pass filter allows users to target specific ultrasonic frequencies, cutting through noisy environments to detect the most subtle leaks with clarity, and the integrated 12 MP visual camera with 8× digital zoom and built-in light emitting diode (LED) lighting helps users capture detailed contextual images for reporting and maintenance workflows.

Built for demanding field conditions, the Si2x is lightweight, compact and easily operated with one hand. A large touchscreen interface and intuitive user interface (UI) reduce training time and increase inspection throughput.

WiFi, USB or the new secure data transfer cable can be used to move images and analytics to FLIR Thermal Studio or FLIR Acoustic Viewer and support for over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates ensures continuous improvement and compatibility.

“The Si2x is a breakthrough for inspectors who need high-performance acoustic imaging in the most safety-critical environments,” said Darrell Taylor, Global Acoustic Business Development Manager at FLIR. “It empowers teams to work safely and efficiently, detect leaks faster and reduce energy waste, all while meeting the most demanding standards of the industry. With its rugged design, precision performance and intuitive operation, the Si2x is built to handle real-world challenges.”

Two versions of the Si2x are available: the Si2x-LD, designed for detecting pressurised gas leaks and mechanical faults, and the Si2x-Pro, which includes all the capabilities of the LD model plus the ability to identify partial discharge. All other features remain the same.