Gas-leak imaging & specialised measurement
This section brings together Amperis instruments for specialised measurements that do not fit into a single electrical-testing family: optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras that make hydrocarbon and volatile organic compound (VOC) leaks visible, a flow-measurement system for hot, dust-laden gases, and a selective level meter for the power-line carrier links of substations. They serve petrochemical and gas plants, power stations, heavy industry and grid operators.
What do they measure and how?
OGI cameras use passive thermography in the band where the target gas absorbs: the TC721 gas-leak thermal camera works at 3.2–3.5 µm with a cooled 320 × 256 detector and NETD ≤ 0.015 °C, and shows the plume of methane, propane, butane and dozens of VOCs on screen from up to 80 m. The VOC gas thermal imager, with an MCT detector, combines gas detection with conventional thermography. The McON Air system measures flow by correlation, from the time of flight of the patterns created by the particles in the gas itself, with no drift and no recalibration. The ET91 combines a generator, selective level meter, measuring bridge and spectrum analyser from 100 Hz to 2400 kHz.
How to choose the right equipment
- Gas to be seen: for hydrocarbons and VOCs, cameras at 3.2–3.5 µm; for switchgear SF6, the TC706 and thermal cameras or the SF6 leak detectors.
- Working area: in potentially explosive atmospheres, require Ex certification; the TC721 is certified Ex ic nC op IIC T4 Gc.
- Process conditions: with gases up to 1000 °C and up to 2500 g/m³ of dust, McON Air correlation holds ±2 % over a 25:1 range.
- Grid communications: for PLC, FDM and communication cables, the ET91 runs on battery for about 8 hours and measures end to end in master-slave mode.
- Reporting: look at radiometric recording, result memory and protocol software.
Not sure which one you need? Please get in touch.
Applications
- Leak detection and repair (LDAR) programmes in gas and petrochemical plants
- Inspection of energised installations without taking them out of service
- Flow measurement in stacks, furnaces and flue-gas ducts
- Commissioning and maintenance of PLC links and FDM systems
Applicable standards
- IEC 60079 — equipment for explosive atmospheres (Ex certification of the TC721)
- Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 — methane emissions reduction in the energy sector, with periodic leak detection surveys
- IEC 62488-1 — power line carrier communication systems on HV and MV grids
Frequently asked questions
Can a hydrocarbon OGI camera see SF6?
No. Each gas absorbs in a different band: SF6 is seen around 10.6 µm and hydrocarbons at 3.2–3.5 µm. For SF6, use the cameras in the thermography section.
Why measure flow by correlation?
Because it is a time measurement: dust and temperature do not affect it, it needs no K-factors or compensation, and it does not drift over the years.
What does the ET91 master-slave mode offer?
Two units, one at each end, automatically measure attenuation, noise, impedance, return loss and crosstalk of a cable, communicating over the line itself.
Technical resources
Complement these measurements with infrared and corona cameras and SF6 leak detectors. Request a quotation.