FLIR Systems launches FLIR GF304

Optical gas imaging of refrigerant gases

The FLIR GF304 is a gas imaging camera which was especially developed for the detection of refrigerant gases without the need to shut down the operation.

Refrigerant gases are used worldwide in industrial refrigeration systems for production, storage and retailing of food. Refrigerant gas is also used in the chemical, pharmaceutical and automotive industries and in air conditioning systems.

Keeping an industrial refrigeration system running is of great importance due to the value of the cooled goods. Furthermore, replacing or recharging gas can be a costly exercise. Although refrigerant gases are vital for many industries they can also be dangerous for the environment and may be governed by local regulations. That is why it is of the utmost importance to find leaks quickly and easy.

FLIR Systems is making this possible by launching the FLIR GF304 IR camera for optical gas imaging.

The FLIR GF304 reduces revenue loss by pinpointing even small gas leaks quickly and efficiently, and from a distance. It also reduces the inspection time by being able to scan a broad area rapidly without the need to interrupt the industrial process.

Refrigerant gases

The FLIR GF304 detects the following refrigerant gases:

- R404A - R407C
- R410A - R134A
- R417A - R422A
- R507A - R143A
- R125 - R245fa

The most commonly used refrigerants are R404A, R410A, R407C and R134A.

Dual use

The FLIR GF304 can be used both for finding gas leaks and maintenance inspections where a temperature reading is required. The FLIR GF304 visualizes temperatures from -20°C to +500°C. High voltage, low voltage, mechanical and many other inspections can all be easily done with the FLIR GF304.

Wireless connectivity

The wireless connectivity using a USB WiFi adapter allows connecting the FLIR GF304 to smart phones or tablet PCs for the wireless transfer of images or remote control of the camera.

Ergonomics

With the GF304 gas imaging camera it is easy to scan areas of interest that are difficult to reach with conventional methods. The camera is ergonomically designed with a bright LCD and tiltable viewfinder, which facilitate the use of the camera during a whole day.

High Sensitivity Mode

The High Sensitivity Mode (HSM) further enhances the sensitivity of the camera so that the smallest gas leaks can be detected. The HSM feature makes the inspection process easier, faster, and more accurate for utility engineers and camera operators.

Cooled detector

The FLIR GF304 contains a cooled Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector (QWIP) and a cold band pass filter that allow visualizing gases in the 8.0-8.6 micrometer waveband. It will not only make refrigerant gases, but also the smallest of temperature differences, clearly visible.

Available lenses

The FLIR GF304 comes either with a fixed 14.5° lens or with a fixed 24° lens. A version with interchangeable lenses is also available but requires a US Department of State license.

About thermal imaging

Thermal imaging is the use of cameras constructed with specialty sensors that "see" thermal energy emitted from an object. Thermal, or infrared energy, is light that is not visible to the human eye because its wavelength is too long to be detected. It's the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that we perceive as heat. Infrared allows us to see what our eyes can not. Thermal imaging cameras produce images of invisible infrared or "heat" radiation. Based on temperature differences between objects, thermal imaging produces a clear image. It is an excellent tool for predictive maintenance, building inspections, research & development and automation applications.

It can see in total darkness, in the darkest of nights, through light fog, in the far distance, through smoke. It is also used for optical gas imaging, security and surveillance, maritime, automotive, firefighting and many other applications.

About FLIR Systems

FLIR Systems is the world leader in the design and manufacturing of thermal imaging cameras for a wide variety of applications. The company has over 50 years of experience and thousands of thermal imaging cameras currently in use worldwide for predictive maintenance, building inspections, research & development, optical gas imaging, security and surveillance, maritime, automotive and other night-vision applications. FLIR Systems has eight manufacturing plants located in the USA (Portland, Boston, Santa Barbara and Bozeman), Stockholm, Sweden, Talinn, Estonia and near Paris, France. It operates offices in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, China, Dubai, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, UK and the USA. The company has over 3,200 dedicated infrared specialists, and serves international markets through an international distributor network providing local sales and support functions.

More about FLIR Systems and our products can be found at www.flir.com

FLIR Commercial Systems B.V.
Marieke Kers
PR & Advertising Manager EMEA
Charles Petitweg 21
4847 NW Breda
The Netherlands
Phone : +31 (0) 765 79 41 94
Fax : +31 (0) 765 79 41 99
e-mail: flir@flir.com