Intrinsically safe gas detection camera

FLIR Systems has announced the FLIR GFx320, an optical gas imaging (OGI) camera for the oil and gas industry that is designed for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The FLIR GFx320 detects and visualises invisible hydrocarbon gas emissions, such as methane, and common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found at oil and natural gas facilities. It carries certifications to global standards and is recognised as Intrinsically Safe, explosion-protected equipment by the International Electrotechnical Commission.

Instead of scanning for fugitive and non-fugitive gas emissions from outside hazardous areas, with the FLIR GFx320 workers can assess potential risks from afar and, once the area is deemed safe, enter with the camera to continue scanning. The first FLIR camera with the Intrinsically Safe designation, the GFx320 allows surveyors to improve their safety and work with more confidence.

The FLIR GFx320 is calibrated to measure temperature, allowing users to achieve optimal thermal contrast between the gas compound and the background scene. The camera is also verified to meet sensitivity standards defined in the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) OOOOa methane rule, and tags each recording with GPS data to meet additional regulatory requirements for reporting.