The MetCam optical gas detection camera makes methane leaks visible in terms of their source and intensity, even under difficult conditions. Possible hazardous situations caused by escaping gases can therefore be assessed more quickly and accurately. Escaping methane is almost invisible. Even the smallest gas leaks can jeopardize the safety of an industrial plant and cause considerable costs. In the oil and gas industry, there are often extensive or winding plant areas that are difficult to access or whose gas pipelines have many connections. These are difficult to monitor with conventional gas warning systems. If a leak occurs, it is also difficult to find. "The MetCam automatically monitors the system around the clock in addition to the stationary gas warning system and detects gas leaks at an early stage," explains Dräger Product Manager Marcus Oertel.
Colour visualization of the gas cloud
Unlike point detectors, the gas source does not have to be in the immediate vicinity of the gas camera. The field of view is already sufficient to detect the escaping gas. This means that detection is independent of wind or other influences. The gas cloud is visualized as a coloured overlay on a black and white video image. In addition, the MetCam independently quantifies the concentration of the escaping gas. It can also be used to measure emissions or as a monitoring camera with a color image.
Self-calibration and automatic storage of measurement data
The MetCam automatically recognizes when the optics are dirty or covered and sends a corresponding warning to avoid false alarms. The MetCam also performs a self-calibration at regular intervals to adapt to changing weather conditions. All events and measurement data are saved automatically.
The MetCam Gas Camera is manufactured by CI Systems Ltd, Texas, USA, and distributed by Dräger Safety AG & Co KGaA.
