The tests were conducted with the purpose of methane visualization. Methane (CH4) is a colorless gas devoid of taste or smell (at normal conditions).
It is known that methane adds absorption bands at 3 and 7.7 μm to IR-spectra emitted by objects. Methane absorbance spectrum is demonstrated on a graph below:
Cooled thermal imagers of MWIR range (3 — 5 μm) are the most commonly used devices for detection and visualization of volatile organic compounds (VOC). However, they tend to be both bulky and pricy, not to mention their need for special technical support of the cooling module.
Through the course of the test, a methane leak with a flow rate of 2 liters per minute was detected by out heat vision module at a distance of 17 meters, even without activation of special processing algorithms. The module was equipped with a lens with 6 — 12 μm passband and a narrowband 7.7 μm filter.
On a basis of the test results, a decision was made to keep refining the IR module until it’s ready for mass production. The plan is to release a compact portable embodiment equipped with a monocular and an autonomous power supply, and also a stationary embodiment with Ethernet and PAL-CVBS interface options.
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