Infrared camera detects SF6
February 1st 2008 Introduction of FLIR
Systems' ThermaCAM
GasFind IR gas leak detector
allows companies to
incorporate infrared into
their leak detection and
repair programmes, providing
a method that is said to be
quicker and more efficient
than traditional toxic vapour
analysis.
An infrared camera has
been introduced specifically
for detecting greenhouse
gases that are not visible in
the mid-wave infrared band;
sulphur hexafluoride and
anhydrous ammonia are
typical examples. The
ThermaCAM GasFind IR LW is
based on the standard
model but operates in the
longwave ir band.
Although sulphur
hexafluoride (SF6) is
extensively recycled, leakage
is a concern as excessive
exposure can harm human
health. Of the
internationally monitored
greenhouse gases, it has the
greatest global warming
potential – 23 000 times
that of CO2.
The camera is designed to
see a range of other gases
too, including anhydrous
ammonia that is widely used
as a refrigerant in large
cold-storage facilities. Small
leaks can be detected from
several metres away; larger
ones from hundreds of
metres away. More articles from Flir Systems Ltd: | 
