Optical Gas Thermography (OGT)

The trainee will learn how to set up and operate optical gas imaging cameras. They will learn how to optimally adjust their cameras for varying environmental conditions to find gas leaks. Students will learn under what environmental conditions gas leaks are most easily found, somewhat easy to find, and difficult to find. This class will teach students which gases can be found with optical gas imaging cameras and leak size limitations. Some basic infrared theory and heat transfer concepts will be introduced to build a strong foundation.

The Optical Gas Thermography (OGT) Course is designed to provide in-depth knowledge and hands-on skills for professionals involved in gas leak detection and monitoring using infrared thermography. This course focuses on the principles of optical gas imaging (OGI) technology, the installation and operation of thermal cameras for gas detection, and the practical applications in industries such as oil and gas, chemical plants, and environmental monitoring.

1. Introduction to Optical Gas Thermography (OGT)

• Overview of OGT technology: how infrared cameras detect gas leaks by visualizing gas emissions in the infrared spectrum

• Differences between OGT and traditional gas detection methods (e.g., sniffer devices)

• Applications of OGT in different industries: oil and gas, petrochemical, industrial safety, and environmental monitoring

• Benefits of using OGT: non-contact, real-time visualization, safety enhancement, and compliance with environmental regulations

  
  

2. Principles of Infrared Radiation and Gas Detection

• Fundamentals of infrared radiation: how thermal cameras detect heat signatures and gas emissions

• Understanding gas absorption spectra: how different gases absorb infrared radiation at specific wavelengths

• Differences between gases in OGI: methane, propane, benzene, and other hydrocarbons

• Optical gas imaging theory: how infrared cameras create visible images of otherwise invisible gas emissions

  
  

3. Components of Optical Gas Imaging Systems

• Key components of an OGI system: infrared camera, optics, and gas-specific filters

• Types of OGI cameras: cooled vs. uncooled detectors, fixed vs. handheld cameras

• Understanding the importance of camera sensitivity and resolution for detecting small gas leaks

• Calibration and configuration of OGI systems for specific gases and environmental conditions

  
  

4. Applications of Optical Gas Thermography

• Oil and Gas Industry:

  • Leak detection for methane, propane, butane, and other hydrocarbon gases in pipelines, tanks, and production facilities

  • Monitoring emissions in upstream, midstream, and downstream oil and gas operations

  • Compliance with environmental regulations (e.g., EPA’s Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) programs)

• Chemical and Petrochemical Plants:

  • Detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in industrial processing facilities

  • Ensuring safety by identifying leaks in storage tanks, reactors, and pipelines

• Environmental Monitoring:

  • Using OGT for detecting and preventing air pollution from industrial facilities

  • Monitoring greenhouse gas emissions for compliance with environmental standards

• Industrial Safety:

  • Ensuring the safety of workers by detecting flammable gas leaks in hazardous environments

  • Using OGT as part of safety protocols for preventing explosions and fires

    
    

5. Installation and Setup of OGT Systems

• Site survey and planning for OGI camera installation: determining optimal locations for maximum coverage

• Installing fixed OGI cameras for continuous monitoring in industrial settings

• Best practices for setting up handheld OGI cameras for field inspections

• Configuring OGI cameras: adjusting sensitivity, temperature range, and filters for detecting specific gases

• Wiring and network setup for remote monitoring and integration with existing safety systems

  
  

6. OGT Data Acquisition and Analysis

• Capturing real-time infrared video of gas leaks and emissions

• Interpreting thermal images and videos: recognizing gas plumes, leak sources, and emissions patterns

• Analyzing gas leaks based on size, density, and emission rate

• Using software tools for OGT data processing and visualization

• Reporting gas leaks and emissions for regulatory compliance and safety management

  
  

7. Calibration and Sensitivity Adjustment

• Calibrating OGI cameras for specific gas types and concentrations

• Adjusting camera settings for different environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, wind)

• Verifying accuracy and sensitivity using known gas sources and reference materials

• Ensuring reliable gas detection in various industrial environments

  
  

8. Maintenance and Troubleshooting of OGT Systems

• Regular maintenance for OGI cameras: cleaning optics, checking filters, and ensuring calibration accuracy

• Troubleshooting common issues with OGI systems: image quality, false positives, and environmental interference

• Repairing or replacing damaged OGI components

• Best practices for ensuring long-term performance of OGI systems in harsh industrial conditions

  
  

9. Safety and Regulatory Compliance

• Overview of safety standards for gas leak detection and industrial thermography

• Compliance with environmental regulations: EPA, OSHA, and other industry standards for leak detection and emissions monitoring

• Best practices for ensuring worker safety when using OGI in hazardous environments

• Legal considerations for using OGT in leak detection and reporting

  
  

10. Hands-On Practical Training

• Field training with handheld and fixed OGI systems: detecting gas leaks in real-world industrial environments

• Practical exercises in configuring and operating OGI cameras for specific gas types

• Capturing and analyzing infrared video data of gas emissions

• Simulating various gas leak scenarios to enhance real-world detection skills

  
  

11. Case Studies and Industry Applications

• Oil & Gas Industry Case Study: Detecting methane leaks in an upstream production facility

• Petrochemical Plant Case Study: Identifying VOC emissions in a refinery

• Environmental Monitoring Case Study: Using OGT for compliance with greenhouse gas emission regulations

• Industrial Safety Case Study: Preventing accidents by detecting propane leaks in a storage facility

  
  

12. Advanced OGT Techniques

• Using OGT for quantification of gas leaks: estimating emission rates and sizes

• Combining OGT with other technologies (e.g., UAVs, fixed gas detectors) for enhanced leak detection

• Remote monitoring and real-time data streaming with OGI systems

• Developing predictive maintenance strategies using OGI to monitor gas emissions over time

  
  

Assessment and Certification

• Final assessment through theoretical exams and practical exercises in gas leak detection

• Exam Preparation: Review of key concepts and practices in preparation for industry certification exams.

• Certification Requirements: Understanding the requirements and process for obtaining professional certification.

• Completion of a field project to demonstrate proficiency in OGI system installation, operation, and data analysis

  
  

Target Audience

• Professionals in the oil and gas industry

• Environmental consultants and regulators

• Industrial safety officers and HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) managers

• Maintenance and inspection technicians in chemical and petrochemical plants

• Engineers involved in process safety and emissions monitoring

  
  

Prerequisites

• Basic knowledge of thermography, gas detection, or industrial safety

• Familiarity with infrared imaging systems is helpful but not required

• No prior experience with OGT systems necessary, but technical knowledge is recommended