Detecting a gas leak
8
8.1 Basic steps to gas detection
• First adjust the focus. If the camera is out of focus, there is a risk of missing a gas leak.
• The key to making the gas visible is enhancing the temperature difference between
the gas cloud and the background. To obtain optimal contrast, try to find a suitable
background by aiming the camera toward the target from different angles.
• Use the Delta T feature to show areas where there is insufficient temperature differ-
ence between the background and the gas.
• Using the High Sensitivity Mode (HSM) can improve the detection of gas leaks, espe-
cially when they are small or low in concentration.
• By adjusting the temperature scale to temperatures around the background of the gas,
you can make the gas appear more clearly.
• Selecting a different color palette can make it easier to see the gas cloud.
• The sensitivity of the camera can be controlled by changing the camera temperature
range. A general guideline is to start with the lowest camera temperature range, but
change if the image becomes oversaturated.
• Motion of the gas, for example, caused by wind, makes the gas cloud easier to see.
8.2 Adjust the camera focus
It is very important to adjust the focus correctly. If the camera is out of focus, there is risk
of missing a gas leak.
You can adjust the focus manually by using the focus ring, or autofocus by pushing the
center of the Focus/Zoom button. See also section 6.8 Focus.
Note Applicable to the FLIR Gx models: You can only adjust the focus manually by us-
ing the focus ring.
8.3 Delta T
A higher temperature differential between the gas plume and the background will make
the plume more visible on the camera screen. The background should be at least 2°C
(3.6°F) warmer (or colder) than ambient temperature to provide sufficient contrast.
Use the Delta T feature to show areas where there is insufficient delta temperature.
1. On the main toolbar, select Delta T. This displays a dialog box.
2. In the dialog box, you can define the Delta T settings:
• Turn on/off the Delta T feature.
• Atmospheric temperature: The current ambient air temperature in the same gener-
al area as the gas leak.
Note This setting is the same as for the measurement parameters, see section
10.5 Measurement parameters. Any changes in the Delta T dialog will also change
the corresponding measurement parameter setting.
• Temperature difference: As a general guideline, set the temperature difference to
2°C (3.6°F).
3. To close the dialog box, push the Back button.
8.4 High Sensitivity Mode (HSM)
High Sensitivity Mode (HSM) is a feature specifically designed for gas detection.
The HSM mode makes motion more visible in the image. This is achieved by comparing
the information in two image frames, taken at different times, and removing all informa-
tion that is the same. What remains will be items that have changed, such as a moving
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