This article is the last part of our series looking at why adding quantitative OGI (QOGI) to a leak detection and repair (LDAR) regimen is critical to improving efficiency and safety, strengthening compliance, and optimizing methane monitoring programs.

As emissions monitoring evolves across oil & gas and industrial sectors, the conversation is no longer centered only on what technologies can detect or quantify emissions — but also on how reliably they perform in the field. This distinction is critical.

Operators today are asked to make decisions based on emissions data: prioritizing repairs, supporting regulatory reporting, and demonstrating environmental performance. In this context, the credibility of the technology — and the expertise behind it — becomes just as important as its capabilities.

Quantitative Optical Gas Imaging (QOGI), while still emerging compared to traditional LDAR tools, is one of the few technologies in this space with a growing body of peer-reviewed validation studies. These independent evaluations, combined with years of field use and continued technology developments, are helping establish QOGI as a trusted method for detecting and quantifying emissions.

The Role of Public Studies in Advancing QOGI

One of the defining characteristics of QOGI is the number of independent, publicly available studies evaluating its performance. These studies have been conducted by universities, research institutions, industry groups, and testing facilities, often under controlled conditions designed to replicate real-world operations.

These evaluations typically focus on:

• Detection capability across a range of leak sizes
• Accuracy of emission rate estimates
• Performance under different environmental conditions 
• Operator variability and workflow considerations
• Technology capabilities both in singular and aggregate form

Results from these studies consistently show that QOGI can estimate emission rates within a known range of uncertainty, with performance improving under ideal conditions and when multiple measurements are aggregated.

In an industry where decisions are increasingly data-driven, having technology that is understood, tested, and continuously evaluated is a major advantage.

From Laboratory Testing to Field Deployment

QOGI validation is not limited to a single study or testing method — it is supported by a combination of controlled laboratory experiments and real-world field trials. As summarized across multiple independent studies, QOGI has demonstrated the ability to consistently detect and quantify emissions across a wide range of conditions, while also outperforming traditional methods like Method 21 in many scenarios.

QOGI has evolved through years of practical deployment across:

• Upstream production sites
• Midstream compressor stations
• Downstream refining and processing facilities
• Industrial manufacturing environments

This field experience has helped refine both the technology and the workflows surrounding it.

As Craig O’Neill, Director of Business Development for OGI at Flir, said, “QOGI is not just a laboratory concept, but a practical, proven way to detect, visualize, and quantify gas emissions designed for real operational use.”

Comparison of Methods 

(Source: Concawe Benchmarking study. Read more here)

Expertise Extends Beyond the Technology

While hardware and software are essential components of QOGI, achieving consistent, reliable results also depends on having trained personnel, proven processes, and accounting for real-world conditions.

Public studies and field experience have shown that operator expertise plays a measurable role in detection and quantification outcomes.

This reinforces an important point: QOGI is not just a device — it is a method.

Successful implementation requires:

• Proper training and certification
• Understanding of environmental conditions
• Consistent inspection protocols
• Awareness of limitations and best practices

Organizations that invest in both technology and training are better positioned to achieve reliable, repeatable results.

Aligning with Regulatory and Industry Expectations

As discussed in earlier articles in this series, regulatory frameworks are placing greater emphasis on:

• Measurement-based reporting
• Data accuracy and traceability
• Verification of emissions data

QOGI’s foundation in public studies and field validation supports regulatory compliance.  By providing both detection and quantification within a defined framework, it supports emerging requirements for more transparent and defensible emissions data.

Expertise for Decades

While QOGI as a concept involves multiple contributors, the development and commercialization of the technology have been closely associated with Flir’s broader leadership in optical gas imaging. Flir’s experience in OGI dates back to the early commercialization of infrared gas detection technology, providing a strong foundation for advancing QOGI capabilities.

As Craig O’Neill has noted:

“QOGI extends OGI into quantification — building on decades of infrared imaging expertise while adapting to new industry needs.”

Flir’s role in supporting studies, collaborating with research partners, and refining workflows contributes to the overall maturity of the technology.

The Value of Proven Expertise in a Changing Industry

As emissions monitoring continues to evolve, operators are faced with an increasing number of technology options. Differentiating between these options requires more than evaluating features—it requires understanding the level of validation behind each solution.

QOGI’s combination of:

• Peer-reviewed, independent studies
• Real-world field deployment
• Established OGI foundation
• Ongoing development and refinement

positions it as one of the more trusted approaches in the emerging quantification landscape.

This does not mean it replaces all other methods. Instead, it complements existing tools, providing an additional layer of insight that can enhance overall emissions management strategies.

Bringing It All Together

Throughout this series, we have explored why QOGI matters across multiple dimensions:

• Efficiency – Faster, more effective LDAR workflows
• Compliance – Stronger reporting and regulatory alignment
• Safety – Reduced risk in difficult-to-access environments
• Future-proofing – Supporting the transition toward data-driven monitoring

This final article highlights the importance of expertise—the foundation that supports all of these benefits.

In a field where accuracy, accountability, and trust are essential, proven performance matters. QOGI’s growing body of validation, combined with practical field experience, provides a level of confidence that is critical for modern emissions monitoring programs.

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