Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) with a Spectrally Filtered Cooled Mid-Wave Infrared Camera

The world's petrochemical industry is constantly seeking methods for the detection of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) such as benzene, propane and methane. Leaks of such materials all too often lead to catastrophic equipment damage and loss of life. EPA regulations require reduction of such emissions with statistics showing that 84% of the leaks are coming from only 0.13% of the equipment. Current technology consists of hand held toxic vapor analyzers (TVA's), or "sniffers" which are accurate but labor intensive in that inspections must conducted as point-to-point surveys in close proximity with pipes, valves and other VOC carrying components. It is also easy to miss a leak as the devices give only an indication of a leak, but no image. This paper will describe new infrared imaging technology that uses a special infrared imager employing a sensitive detector and a cold filter to observe active leaks. The paper will discuss a range of applications from small scans in local gas stations to extensive scans in petrochemical refineries