Flir launches infrared camera to detect volatile organic compounds

Portland, OR— To help improve safety at petrochemical refining, transportation, and storage facilities, Flir Systems Inc. has introduced its new GasFindIR infrared (IR) camera. GasFindIR reportedly is the first commercially viable infrared camera capable of detecting volatile organic compound (VOC) gas emissions. Flir plans to begin shipping GasFindiIR in June 2005.

‘We’re in the process of writing new regulations to take advantage of this new infrared camera,’ says David Markwordt, of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Emissions Standards division, who presented at the recent Fugitive Emissions conference. ‘It’s a remarkable new technology.’

Sources of VOCs include petrochemical facilities, natural gas pipelines, transfer stations, tankers, railway cars and even landfills emitting methane gas and other toxic chemicals into the environment. Often referred to as ‘fugitive gas emissions,’ VOC gases are a major contributor to global warming. In addition, these emissions cost industry millions of dollars in lost product and in regulatory fines. They also pose safety risks to workers and civilians.

Flir adds that GasFindIR is a truly revolutionary product because it makes visible what was traditionally invisible, so that leaks can be easily identified and stopped. A typical refinery can have up to 500,000 points that presently have to be checked manually with a ‘sniffer’ placed directly on the leak, which is an expensive and time consuming process.

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Control Engineering Daily News DeskJim Montague, news editorjmontague@reedbusiness.com

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