Welcome to Imaging Atoms
Imaging Atoms, Inc. provides technical support for ground and aerial natural gas leak surveys and ROW surveillance patrols using military-grade gas imaging and detection methods for the safe, effective and economical maintenance of natural gas systems. Natural gas leaks are costly, and can pose immediate hazards to people and property. Our technically supported gas leak surveys and patrols are ideal for all types of natural gas systems, especially transmission, gathering, LNG and distribution systems.
Our technical applications for aerial ROW patrols and gas leak imaging, detection and measurement are commercially proven and recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Our firm's strengths are technical capability using the latest validated technologies; model service to client; coupled with extensive regulatory audit experience.
Aerial Advantage - Helicopters and fixed-wing planes are used to characterize system conditions over large areas from the air. Our aerial leak surveys allow for an immediate determination of how much gas is being lost from pinpointed origins - near or from a distance. Leaking gas is visually recorded using optical gas imaging and quantitatively measured using infrared and laser absorption spectroscopy. These methods can differentiate between, and quantitatively measure, multiple gases (e.g., methane, total hydrocarbons, etc.) simultaneously and continuously. The same advanced modes of gas imaging and detection are used for rapid and effective ground verification leak surveys.
Aerial leak surveys are performed at the same time as 49 CFR Part 192 Right-of-Way (ROW) patrols. Advanced high-definition photography and video allow for the unmistakable documentation of right-of-way noncompliance, such as: construction, excavation, encroachment, water threats, sink holes, soil erosion, vegetative forces, etc.
Our support is provided in a cooperative and confidential manner, to the complete satisfaction of our clients, with whom we maintain over a 95% repeat work rate. Given that many of our supported programs are completed along with regulatory oversight, one of our core operating principles is "If it is not documented, it did not happen". Every program is suitably documented through a definitive process using controlled hardcopy and electronic media. Unique survey location ID, GPS waypoint coordinates, date and time of acquisition, serial numbers of equipment, initials of operators, and lot numbers of calibrations standards are some elements of our final deliverables. Documentation procedures are modeled after ISO/IEC record keeping requirements developed to aid in the historical reconstruction of work and the ability to generate findings that are of a known documented quality.
Our ground and aerial analytical capabilities use the most advanced technologies commercially available to industry for visualizing, detecting, and recording natural gas and chemical emissions. Given the immediate determinations by these techniques, especially from aircraft, many more survey points are obtainable in a single day including those over expansive areas. Real-time measurements and recorded images surgically pinpoint the exact origin of leaks, and are then used for effective repairs, resulting in safe, profitable systems.