Termed the FLIR Si124-LD it has been used extensively around the world to improve safety on chemical and engineering plants as well as improving the bottom line by identifying leaks inaudible to the human ear .
Like any market leading company , FLIR don ’ t stand still when it comes to research and development . This year they launched the successor to the Si124-LD entitled the FLIR Si2-LD , the camera has an improved frequency range , meaning even the slightest inaudible high frequency sounds can be detected .
However , it ’ s not just the frequency range that is improved with the new FLIR Si-2 LD camera . The detection range is equally impressive . At 10 metres the acoustic camera can detect gas leaks as small as 0.05 litres per minute .
At 2.5 metres the camera is capable of detecting minute leaks down to 0.0032 litres per minute , allowing those overhead gas lines to be brought into focus and faults rectified . Many areas are dark and prove problematic in terms of observation , for example , mines and confined spaces . Two extremely powerful LED lights on the FLIR Si2 -LD illuminate the area , allowing specific air and gas lines to be identified and analysed .
Images captured by the 12-megapixel camera are displayed on a new high definition five inch 1280 x 720 screen which is brighter and sharper than its predecessor . The 8x zoom feature also allows more distant problem areas to be brought into focus .
Built in software allows for quantitative loss analysis .
We ’ ve stated above that although health and safety considerations have to be front of mind for any organisation , nevertheless , in today ’ s cut throat economic world , any gas lost through leaks is a major concern for senior management . Clearly bulk and bottled gas can be an expensive raw material ; indeed
one that has seen huge increases in recent years given geopolitical issue taking place in Europe .
But any production engineer will know that even compressed air has a cost associated with it . Compressors use significant amounts of energy to produce compressed air .
At a time when most companies are trying to reduce energy use both to save money and improve their carbon footprint , air leaks in transfer lines can prove a real issue . Identifying the leaks in the first instance is where the camera hardware plays its part . However , accountants and financial personnel are keen to understand the financial impact of such leaks .
This is where the FLIR Si2-LD camera really comes into its own . The camera has built in software that calculates the financial impact of the detected gas or air leak . Termed Industrial Gas Quantification , the incorporated software can calculate losses for a variety of gaseous systems including those mentioned above , namely hydrogen , ammonia and carbon dioxide .
In addition , the camera is able to quantify helium , argon , and compressed air . This unique software coupled with the new advanced features of the FLIR Si2-LD described above , provide valuable monetary information regarding gas leaks enabling the maintenance engineer to perform remedial action that has an immediate and lasting effect on the company ’ s bottom line .
The FLIR Si2-LD camera is extremely light , making plant wide analysis a very easy task . Each camera comes complete with a tough tailor-made carrying case for added protection .
For further information on the FLIR Si2-LD , leak detection acoustic cameras please visit www . flir . com or contact your local FLIR distributor .
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