Senses working overtime to detect methane

Methane leaks within industrial facilities pose significant risks to people, assets, and the environment, potentially leading to substantial costs if not promptly addressed. Detecting these leaks promptly is crucial to prevent them from escalating into hazardous situations.

Effective gas detection methods are essential, and a layered approach or utilising the four senses—smell, touch, sound, and sight—can offer optimal protection and detection capability.

Traditional point gas detection, relying on “sniffing” the air, is the initial line of defense, mandated by regulations and operating by detecting methane leaks through air "sniffing" and triggering alarms accordingly. However, its effectiveness can be hindered by factors like suboptimal placement and external conditions.

Incorporating open-path gas detectors enhances detection capabilities by physically interacting with gas clouds, though sensitivity to positioning and calibration must be considered.

Ultrasonic gas detectors complement these methods by detecting high-pressure leaks through ultrasonic frequencies, yet they may be affected by external sounds and limitations in detecting low-pressure leaks.

Cutting-edge fixed Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) technology visually identifies leaks, providing rapid video alerts for quick decision-making. However, OGI sensitivity may vary with environmental changes.

In summary, a comprehensive approach integrating all four senses ensures effective methane leak detection, mitigating risks and overcoming individual method limitations. This proactive strategy offers enhanced protection and cost efficiency in managing methane leaks in industrial environments.

CI Systems' MetCam is a fully integrated autonomous Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS) using Quantifying Optical Gas Imaging (QOGI) to increase site safety by continuously monitoring and alarming on the presence of hazardous gas clouds.