State of the art and future plans for IR imaging of gaseous fugitive emissions

The means to detect, visualize and survey different kinds of gases within industrial and energy processes, technical infrastructure, landfill bodies, indoor and outdoor environment are discussed. The current status and future plans for IR imaging technologies in the U.S. and in Sweden are described. Primary consideration is given to mobile and airborne remote sensing systems, such as current laser-based imaging technologies, advanced IR systems with and without filter techniques, and two-dimensional gas-correlation techniques, being used or under development. Results of recent laboratory and field experiments involving the imaging of natural gas leaks under both controlled and actual conditions are presented and discussed. Plans for future field testing and technology improvements are described.