Determining the composition of hydrocarbon gas mixtures through mid-infrared gas imaging

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As part of its action plan on climate change, Canada is committed to reducing methane emissions by 40-45% of2012 levels by 2023. In order to meet these goals, Canadian industry needs to accurately quantify methaneemissions, as well as those of other hydrocarbons, such as benzene-ethylbenzene-toluene-xylene (BTEX),which must be reported to the National Pollutant Emissions Inventory. The use of mid-wavelength infrared(MWIR) cameras to detect and visualize hydrocarbon leaks is commonplace, particularly in Canada's oil andgas industry. Recent advancements in hardware and algorithms/computing now enable quantitativehydrocarbon flux estimates through MWIR image analysis. This technique has the potential to provide moreaccurate flux estimates than the current standard-of-practice, which relies on point-concentrationmeasurements. Infrared gas imaging is also more efficient and permits stand-off measurements, therebyreducing the time that personnel must spend working under often hazardous conditions.This Engage grant supports a new collaboration between FLIR Lorex, FLIR Inc.'s Canadian subsidiary, andthe University of Waterloo, aimed at enhancing quantitative infrared gas detection so it can isolate componentsof hydrocarbon mixtures, including methane/BTEX. The University of Waterloo team, led by Professor KyleDaun, brings an expertise in thermal radiation, remote sensing, and mathematical analysis. They will workclosely with Mr. Rob Milner and Dr. Austin Richards from FLIR Lorex, internationally-recognized experts oninfrared gas detection. The methodology will be numerically-prototyped using CFD simulations, and thenevaluated by making measurements with a MWIR camera provided by FLIR on a specialized test rig at theUniversity of Waterloo. The technology developed through this research will help FLIR develop newtechnology that Canadian industry will use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thereby helping safeguardCanada's environment. The research activities will also help equip three HQP with skills in infrared gasdetection, experimentation, and numerical analysis, which are in high demand by Canadian industry.