Technical and Commercial
Feasibility of the Third
Generation LDAR (LDAR3)
Technology
Presented at 14th ISA LDAR Symposium
Standards
Certification
Education & Training
Publishing
Conferences & Exhibits
New Orleans, Louisiana
May, 2014
Presenter: Jonathan Morris
CTO, Providence Photonics
• BS in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering from
Louisiana State University.
• Multiple patents in the field of autonomous gas leak
detection using IR imagery.
• CTO at Providence Photonics
2
Background
• Traditional LDAR
– EPA Method 21
– Expensive and labor intensive
– $250,000 - $1,000,000 per year per facility (depending on component
count)
– Certain components are not covered
– Complicated program and tedious field work
• Smart LDAR
– Optical gas imaging (IR cameras)
– Lower cost
– EPA promulgated Alternative Work Practice (AWP) rule in Dec.
2008
– Adoption of AWP is severely limited because the AWP rule requires
Method 21 once every 3 quarters
Background
• Next generation – LDAR3
– Proposed by Providence in 2006
– Unattended IR cameras with computer vision algorithm
capable of recognizing plume
– Fugitive emissions from leaks are a function of detection
limit and frequency of inspections
– Increased monitoring frequency allows early leak
detection, resulting in equal or better environmental
performance even at a higher leak definition
– Coverage for non-traditional LDAR components
Background
• A technical analysis – Monte Carlo Simulation
Enabling Technology
• Advancements in optical gas imaging have made LDAR3
feasible
– Autonomous leak detection algorithms – The core
enabler
– ExxonMobil/Providence InteliRedTM
– Other enabling/enhancing techniques:
– Industrial enclosures for continuous operation in harsh
environments
– Higher resolution imagers
– Better optics, continuous zoom, longer focal lengths
– Extended lifetime coolers
– Remote camera/gimbal/lens control
Autonomous Leak Detection Algorithm
• IntelliRedTM jointly developed by ExxonMobil and
Providence
• Autonomous remote gas plume detection
• Computer vision algorithm applied to infrared (IR)
video for continuous surveillance
• Industrial alarming interface (Modbus/TCP)
• Real-time streaming video enhancement
• The core enabling technology for LDAR3
Autonomous Leak Detection Algorithm
• Autonomous detection of 2.5 lb/hr Propane leak at 260 feet
Autonomous Detection Algorithm
• Autonomous detection of 1.25 lb/hr Propane leak at 220 feet
Autonomous Detection Algorithm
• Autonomous detection of large Natural Gas plume at 1200 feet
Field Testing InteliRedTM with
Point Detectors
• Point detector range:
0-100 % Lower
Explosion Limit (LEL)
• 2 lb/hour propane
leak
• 18 inches from point
source detector
• 60 feet from Camera
Field Testing InteliRedTM with
Point Detectors
Field Testing InteliRedTM with Point and
Path Hydrocarbon Detectors
• Open Path Infrared detector
– Response: 0-5 LEL-m
• Infrared Combustible Gas Detector
– Response: 0-100% LEL
• LSU Fireman Training Facility – Marine
container prop
• Two leak points, each 4 lb/hour
• Camera located 215 feet from leak source
• Winds calm and variable
• Temperature 85F, early afternoon
Field Testing InteliRedTM with Point and
Path Hydrocarbon Detectors
Field Testing InteliRedTM with Point and
Path Hydrocarbon Detectors
• No response
from open path
detector
• Achieved 5%
LEL from point
detector
(1050 ppm)
Industrial Enclosures
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Purged gimbal and camera enclosure
Vortex cooler
Remote pressure switch
Co-located visible camera
Full 360 degree pan capability
Tested to 60C ambient temperature
Single Ethernet port
ATEX certification
– EX II 2G Exp IIA T3
– Zones 1 or 2
• Class 1/Div 2 Groups B,C,D
Advanced Imagers and Optics
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High resolution imager (640 x 512)
Continuous zoom lens (25mm to 100mm)
Optical doubler (50mm to 200mm)
Remote zoom and focus
Remote camera control
Extended life coolers
Extreme Industrial Applications
• Temperature extremes
– Prudhoe Bay, Alaska (down to -50C)
– Doha, Qatar (up to 60C)
• Industrial settings
– ATEX/Class 1
– Industrial interface (Modbus TCP)
Comparison with Smart LDAR
Smart LDAR
• Conditions at the time of
inspection may hinder
detection of a leak –
missed detection for 4-6
months on bi-monthly or
quarterly schedule
• Periodical inspection – a
leak may be undetected
for 2-3 months
• Manual inspection, high
operating cost, prone to
errors
LDAR3
• Continuous detection – a
missed detection in one
moment will be detected
in a later moment when
the conditions become
favorable
• Continuous detection –
leak detected in near real
time
• Higher initial capital cost;
much less operating cost
19
Summary/Conclusions
• Advancements in technology make LDAR3
technically feasible
• The InteliRedTM technology is now commercially
available
• Cost savings vs. Method 21 and Smart LDAR
make LDAR3 economically feasible
• For environmental compliance, changes in
regulations will be required – ideally incorporated
in the Uniform Standard
• For non-regulatory applications (e.g., process
safety, proactive leak reduction for better LDAR
results), the InteliRedTM technology is ready NOW
Questions?
http://www.providencephotonics.com
225-766-7400
Jonathan Morris
Providence Photonics, LLC
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Technical and Commercial Feasibility of the Third
Generation LDAR (LDAR3) Technology
Page 21