CUBIC INSTRUMENTS CH4 Handheld Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) Camera

Overview

The CUBIC INSTRUMENTS CH4 Handheld Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) Camera is a portable, non-contact infrared imaging system engineered for real-time visualization and localization of methane (CH₄) emissions in industrial and environmental settings. It operates on the principle of gas filter correlation infrared imaging—leveraging spectral absorption characteristics unique to methane within the 3.2–3.5 µm mid-wave infrared (MWIR) band. Unlike point-sensor detectors, this OGI camera converts invisible gas plumes into high-contrast thermal video imagery, enabling rapid scanning of large or inaccessible infrastructure—including elevated piping, flanges, valves, storage tanks, and offshore platforms—without physical proximity. Designed for operational safety and regulatory responsiveness, the system supports standoff detection at distances up to several tens of meters (dependent on ambient conditions and plume concentration), minimizing personnel exposure while maintaining detection sensitivity suitable for LDAR (Leak Detection and Repair) program compliance.

Key Features

• Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) core technology compliant with EPA Method 21 supplemental guidance and ASTM D7986–19 for optical gas detection performance verification
• 320 × 256 uncooled microbolometer detector optimized for methane’s fundamental absorption band (3.2–3.5 µm), delivering high thermal contrast under low-light and variable ambient conditions
• Integrated temperature measurement capability (−20 to 350 °C) with traceable accuracy: ±1 °C in the 0–100 °C range, supporting simultaneous thermal anomaly assessment alongside gas plume identification
• Ruggedized housing rated IP54 for dust resistance and limited water ingress protection—suitable for outdoor field use across seasonal temperature fluctuations
• Intrinsically safe design certified to Ex ic nc op is IIC T4 Gc per EN IEC 60079-0/-11/-28, enabling deployment in Zone 1/2 hazardous areas common in refineries, LNG terminals, and upstream production sites
• Multi-modal data export via USB 2.0, HDMI real-time output, removable 64 GB SD card, and embedded Wi-Fi for secure over-the-air firmware updates and remote configuration

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CH4 OGI Camera is specifically calibrated for methane detection and exhibits strong selectivity against common interferents such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and most non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) due to its narrow-band spectral filtering. While not quantitative by default, it supports semi-quantitative estimation when paired with reference plume libraries and known flow geometry—aligning with industry best practices outlined in API RP 1175 and EPA OOOOa Subpart W implementation guidelines. The instrument meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements per EN 61326-1 and is designed to support GLP-aligned documentation workflows, including time-stamped image/video metadata, operator ID tagging, GPS georeferencing (when enabled via external module), and audit-ready file logging for regulatory reporting.

Software & Data Management

Onboard firmware enables real-time video streaming, frame-by-frame freeze capture, and synchronized thermal + gas overlay annotation. Exported .avi and .jpg files retain embedded EXIF metadata—including date/time stamp, lens focal length, ambient temperature, and detector status—for chain-of-custody integrity. Optional desktop software provides post-processing tools for plume trajectory analysis, comparative image sequencing, and report generation compatible with common environmental management systems (EMS). All data handling adheres to ISO/IEC 27001-aligned security protocols; Wi-Fi communication supports WPA2-Enterprise authentication and TLS 1.2 encrypted transfers to prevent unauthorized access during field synchronization.

Applications

• LDAR program execution across petrochemical facilities, natural gas transmission stations, and compressor stations
• Regulatory inspection support for environmental agencies conducting fugitive emission audits under Clean Air Act Title V or EU IED Directive
• Pre-commissioning and turnaround leak screening in refinery units and FPSO vessels
• Mobile monitoring for pipeline right-of-way surveys and wellhead integrity verification
• Emergency response triage during suspected blowdown events or process upsets
• Academic and industrial R&D studies on methane dispersion modeling and mitigation technology validation

FAQ

Does this camera provide quantitative methane concentration measurements?
No—the CH4 OGI Camera is a qualitative and semi-quantitative imaging tool. It visualizes methane plumes based on differential absorption contrast; absolute concentration values require integration with complementary techniques such as tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) or open-path FTIR.
Is calibration required before each use?
A non-uniformity correction (NUC) is automatically performed during startup. Field recalibration is not required for routine operation, though annual verification against a certified blackbody source is recommended per ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory practice.
Can the device detect other hydrocarbons besides methane?
It is optimized for methane and demonstrates limited sensitivity to ethane and propane under controlled conditions. For broad-spectrum NMHC detection, a multi-band OGI platform or complementary photoionization detector (PID) array is advised.
What battery life can be expected during continuous operation?
Typical runtime exceeds 3.5 hours on a fully charged lithium-ion battery pack (included), with hot-swap capability supported via optional dual-battery cradle.
Is the system compatible with third-party GIS or asset management platforms?
Yes—geotagged video and image exports conform to standard KML and GeoJSON schemas, enabling direct ingestion into ESRI ArcGIS, Bentley AssetWise, and SAP EAM environments via documented RESTful API endpoints.