Imaging Atoms uses multiple modes of commercially proven imaging and detection techniques as part of its quality systems to establish an analytical work product that accurately measures gas emissions, and is of a known documented quality. Multiple modes of gas detection provide for a high degree of certainty, and complete characterization.  These test applications allows for low-level detection, well below the percent Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) of natural gas from a distance.  When performed from aircraft, these remote sensing applications are ideal for detecting gas leaks from large areas that are difficult to access in a timely manner.

Our work has two critical functions.  1) Locate and accurately measure gas leak emissions and 2) Link these gas emissions to a unique place on the earth’s surface using specific waypoint identification.  Each of our analytical techniques generates analytical data (e.g., gas imaging photos, video, computer-system generated raw data) that includes the GPS coordinates of the survey location.  Daily surveillance deliverables include all DOT report elements.

Infrared Optical Gas Imaging
Using optical gas imaging, natural gas leaks are visualized and recorded. Fugitive emissions appear as plumes of smoke as gas is absorbed within the infrared spectrum. Data deliverables include recorded images of leaking gas that include date and time of acquisition, along with GPS coordinates of the survey location (as overlays on recorded image). Normal mode video is also recorded to help end-users recognize survey locations.

 

Infrared and Laser Absorption Spectroscopy

Imaging Atoms conducts leak surveys using different infrared and absorption spectroscopy systems. 

Infrared spectroscopy relies on a gases nature to absorb specific frequencies that are characteristic of their structure. Laser absorption spectroscopy works by directing a continuous generated beam of radiation at a target area and detecting the intensity of the radiation that passes through it. The transmitted energy can be used to calculate the absorption.

Both of these applications are ideal for the identification of specific target gases (qualitative), with the ability to measures quantity of gas emissions present (quantitative).

Catalytic Bead Sensor
The Catalytic Bead Sensor application is a rugged and very sensitive method for the identification of combustible gas in an air-gas mixture, ideal for natural gas. Gas levels are measured in parts per billion, percent LEL and percent volume. This method is ideal for accessing many types of surveys points, such as, under manholes, asphalt, concrete pads, foundations; in sewers, vaults, etc.

Open Path Fourier Transform Infrared and Ultraviolet Differential Optical Absorption
OP-FTIR is a unique analytical capability that can measure the presence of many chemicals in air simultaneously at low levels of detection. A unique advantage to OP-FTIR method is the ability to measure select species remotely from very far distances.  UVDOAS is used to identify and measure concentrations of different gases over a distance, within a line-of-sight. The method is based on the relationship between the quantity of light absorbed and the number of molecules in the light-path. With both these techniques it is possible to identify and determine the concentrations of several gases simultaneously.