The Remote Gas Detection System installed on trial basis at the plant.
DOHA: ExxonMobil Research Qatar (EMRQ) has begun field testing its Remote Gas Detection System, which is designed to improve process safety and environmental performance at liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and transportation facilities and other gas processing facilities.
ExxonMobil’s Remote Gas Detection System employs a specially developed computer algorithm to autonomously analyse infrared camera images to detect escaping hydrocarbon gases. The system provides an early warning alert of hydrocarbon leaks with minimal false alarms.
“This system is a step forward in mitigating risks in a plant environment, which is a top priority for ExxonMobil,” said Dr Andy Wigton, Research Director at EMRQ. “By continuously and autonomously scanning for fugitive hydrocarbon emissions, we can potentially improve process safety and enhance environmental performance.” EMRQ and RasGas Company Limited (RasGas) deployed the Remote Gas Detection system in a pilot project near Ras Laffan 3 LNG Train 7 located in Ras Laffan Industrial City. Field tests began in August and are expected to run through 2014.
“The Remote Gas Detection system has the potential to enhance the safety of our people, the integrity of our facilities, and the protection of the environment – elements that are fundamental to successful RasGas operations,” said Brett Doherty, Chief Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Officer for RasGas. “We appreciate the opportunity to help ExxonMobil Research Qatar progress this important technology through field testing at our facilities, and we look forward to supporting this advancement in process safety.”
The pilot project is designed to test the accuracy and durability of the Remote Gas Detection system under field environmental conditions such as heat, humidity, sand and fog. EMRQ also plans to incorporate feedback from RasGas operations and maintenance personnel to further improve the system’s reliability and ease of use.
EMRQ plans to deploy an enhanced version of the system in 2014 using a patent pending system that incorporates a custom-built camera with two infrared sensors and image recognition technology.
This dual-sensor Remote Gas Detection system should increase detection accuracy by eliminating background interference and enhancing the infrared image.
This research effort demonstrates EMRQ and RasGas’ commitment to process safety and environmental performance through innovative research, furthering the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
The Peninsula
