Revolutionizing Methane Detection with OGI Technology
Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) technology has revolutionized the way industries detect and manage methane emissions. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, poses significant environmental and safety risks if not properly monitored. Traditional methods of gas detection often fall short in terms of speed, accuracy, and safety. This is where OGI technology steps in, especially when paired with a UAS detection system, offering a highly effective solution for real-time gas visualization.
Vision Aerial’s Gas Detection Drone solution — which is comprised of the SwitchBlade-Elite equipped with the OGI Scout payload. — represents the future of this innovative technology. The SwitchBlade-Elite is a medium-lift drone that delivers extended performance along with the advanced stabilization technology that is required for great imaging. The OGI Scout utilizes a mid-wave infrared (MWIR) camera core from Sierra-Olympia Technologies, designed to detect and visualize hydrocarbon gas leaks, including methane, propane, and butane. This cutting-edge technology allows for precise and immediate identification of gas leaks, transforming the landscape of industrial safety and environmental protection.
Advantages of Using UAS for Methane Detection
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), or drones, equipped with optical gas imaging technology offer numerous advantages over traditional gas detection methods. One of the most significant benefits is the ability to conduct aerial inspections in hard-to-reach or hazardous locations without putting personnel at risk. This not only enhances safety but also ensures comprehensive coverage of large industrial sites.
The Vision Aerial SwitchBlade-Elite with the OGI Scout payload is particularly well-suited for these tasks. Its advanced features, such as Gas Enhancement Mode (GEM) for colorization and real-time event capture with MarkPoint software, provide unparalleled accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, the system’s high-resolution imaging capabilities allow for clearer detection of gas leaks, even from a distance.
Enhanced Safety
Safety is paramount in industries dealing with potentially hazardous gases. Even small gas leaks can lead to gas build up and pose risk of explosions, fires, environmental pollution, and/or climate change. Traditional gas detection methods often require personnel to be in close proximity to the source of the leak, exposing them to significant risks. Vision Aerial’s SwitchBlade-Elite and OGI Scout mitigate these risks by enabling remote detection and visualization of gas leaks.
One source of gas leaks is in oil refineries or storage facilities. Any unplanned downtime or emergency response required in these facilities can have significant financial losses, in addition to legal liability.
The high operating temperature (HOT) MWIR camera core ensures reliable performance even in challenging conditions. By providing real-time data and high-resolution images, the OGI Scout allows operators to make informed decisions quickly, enhancing overall safety protocols. This proactive approach not only protects personnel but also minimizes the risk of environmental contamination.
Proactive and Quicker Detection of Gas Leaks
One of the standout features of Vision Aerial’s Gas Detection Drone solution is its ability to detect gas leaks proactively and more quickly than traditional methods such as using manual or handheld sensors.
A common source of gas leaks is the network of underground pipes that transports natural gas or other gaseous substances. These networks of pipes can be negatively impacted by corrosion, aging infrastructure, ground movement, or even third-party damage such as construction or excavation.
Inspecting and detecting gas leaks in these long networks of pipes is where a UAS-based detection system can shine. Because these networks of pipes are often miles long, it is time consuming to inspect them using traditional methods. Furthermore, the real-time event capture and documentation capabilities of the MarkPoint software streamline the detection and documentation process, allowing you to document leaks as you go for quicker reporting later.
This quicker detection is crucial in preventing minor leaks from escalating into major incidents. By identifying and addressing leaks promptly, industries can maintain operational integrity and avoid costly disruptions. The OGI Scout’s high-sensitivity imager ensures that gas leaks are detected at the earliest possible stage, facilitating swift resolution and minimizing potential hazards.
Operational Efficiency and Environmental Benefits
The integration of an OGI imager with UAS not only enhances safety and detection speed but also significantly improves operational efficiency. The Vision Aerial SwitchBlade-Elite with the OGI Scout payload allows for comprehensive surveys to be conducted with fewer personnel and in less time. This efficiency translates to cost savings and optimized resource allocation.
Moreover, the environmental benefits of proactive methane detection cannot be overstated. Methane is a major contributor to climate change, and its effective management is essential for environmental stewardship. By utilizing OGI technology, industries can more quickly reduce methane emissions, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. The Vision Aerial OGI Scout plays a pivotal role in these efforts, offering a reliable and efficient solution for methane management.
Vision Aerial at the Energy Drone & Robotics Summit
Vision Aerial is set to showcase the capabilities of the Gas Detection Drone solution at the upcoming Energy Drone & Robotics Summit (EDRS) from June 16-18, 2025, in Houston, TX. Attendees can visit Vision Aerial at Booth 216 to learn more about this innovative technology and its applications.
Susan Roberts from Vision Aerial will be speaking at the Innovation Zone on Tuesday, June 17. Her presentation, titled “Seeing the Unseen: Smarter Methane Detection Leads to Faster Resolution,” will delve into the innovative aspects of OGI technology and its transformative impact on methane detection. This is an excellent opportunity for industry professionals to gain insights into the latest advancements and best practices in gas detection.