ExxonMobil licenses InteliRed remote gas detector to Providence Photonics

26 Feb 2014

Infrared scanning system spots hydrocarbon leak threats up to 500m away.

Intelired scans in the IR waveband for hydrocarbon gas leaks.

ExxonMobil's Upstream Research Company has awarded the first commercial license for its InteliRed remote gas detection system to co-developer Providence Photonics. The system automatically scans for hydrocarbon gas leaks from process equipment and notifies operators to take action before a leak can become a hazard”.

The InteliRed system is designed to increase process safety and environmental performance at oil refineries, chemical plants, and gas processing facilities. The new system employs a dedicated algorithm to autonomously analyze infrared camera images to detect escaping hydrocarbon gases. The InteliRed system can provide an early warning alert of hydrocarbon leaks with minimal false alarms.

Four-year R&D project

Providence Photonics, LLC is an affiliate of Providence Engineering headquartered in Baton Rouge, La, USA. ExxonMobil and Providence scientists co-developed the InteliRed system over a four-year period culminating in field tests of the system that began in 2013 at an LNG liquefaction plant in Qatar.

Custom optics extend the reach of the optical gas imager, enhancing detection limits.

Sara Ortwein, president of ExxonMobil Upstream Research, commented, “InteliRed is the latest example of our continuous focus on process safety and environmental protection. Our collaboration with Providence Photonics has resulted in a remote gas detection system that is very accurate and can operate in harsh environments.”

Yousheng Zeng, managing partner at Providence Photonics, added, “Our global license from ExxonMobil will enable Providence to take this unique process safety technology to our customers around the world.”

"InteliRed looks for hydrocarbon leaks at distances of 1500 feet (450 meters) or more. Custom optics can extend the reach of the optical gas imager and enhance the detection limits. User adjustable sensitivity settings and a variety of alarming options allow for integration into existing security or process control networks."

About the Author

Matthew Peach is a contributing editor to optics.org.