Methane emissions are in the spotlight like never before. With recent legislation, the Oil & Gas industry is facing new and demanding standards to monitor, measure, and report emissions with precision. Flir and our sister companies at Teledyne understand the critical challenges these changes bring—and we’re here to support our customers every step of the way.

What Industries Are Affected?

Methane emissions are a significant environmental threat, responsible for roughly one-third of current global warming. As methane levels in the atmosphere have risen sharply over the past decade, new regulations have been adopted requiring industries to detect, quantify, and reduce fugitive emissions. 

The industries and applications most impacted by methane emission regulations include:

• OIL AND GAS—onshore and offshore exploration and production
• WELLS—inactive, temporarily plugged or permanently plugged and abandoned wells
• NATURAL GAS—gathering and processing, gas transmission, distribution and underground storage, LNG facilities
• COAL MINES—active underground and surface / closed or abandoned underground coal mine

Methane Tracking

Methane is a very powerful greenhouse gas. Over a 100-year period, its global warming potential is 25 times greater than that of carbon dioxide (CO₂). In fact, over a 20-year period, its global warming potential is 84 times greater than that of CO₂.

Under recent regulations—including the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the EU Regulation 2024/1787 (Article 34/34(a), Brussels, 13 June 2024)—operators are now required to take comprehensive action to monitor, report, and reduce methane emissions.

The following are steps needed to identify and quantify leaks:

INSPECTIONS

• Conduct surveys and collect accurate measurements to monitor, report, and verify methane emissions. Inspections should ensure high-quality data collection and thorough review of documentation and records.

PERIODIC VERIFICATION

• Ensure that joints, flanges, and valves remain in good condition. Corrosion and wear can cause leaks in pressurized systems. Periodic verification helps identify issues early and supports timely maintenance and repair.

Addressing concerns about methane emissions requires the right tools. Flir and Teledyne Technologies Gas and Flame Detection offers a wide variety of products purpose-built to help the Oil & Gas industry meet fugitive emission regulations. 

Cutting-Edge Solutions

Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) Cameras

Flir OGI cameras are a versatile solution for Oil & Gas companies that are not only looking to meet regulations, but also to build a comprehensive inspection program. Our G-Series and GF77 cameras detect methane at the sensitivity required in U.S. EPA and EU methane regulations and also be used for thermal condition monitoring inspections.

Why Choose Flir Technology?

• Options for cooled or uncooled optical gas imaging cameras
• Ability to connect and run cameras easily through included web interface, available software development kits (SDKs), and industry-standard protocol GigE vision
• Accuracy in detecting hydrocarbons, VOCs, and methane emissions
• 27,000 hours of runtime (G620a, see below)

Flir G-Series™

This high-performance cooled OGI camera family includes two ATEX-certified models that are ideal for detecting gas emissions in complex systems, including refineries, petrochemical facilities, natural gas well pads, compression stations, and power generation plants. These cameras offer up to 640 × 480 pixel thermal resolution and on-board gas quantification analytics that measure leak type and severity, eliminating the need for a secondary measurement device. 

Flir GF77™

The GF77 is an uncooled, affordable solution that detects methane while also offering the benefit of built-in thermographic calibrations. Because this camera's gas filtering happens within the lens, the GF77 can detect a wider range of gases by simply changing lenses. 

Need help deciding which handheld OGI camera is right for you? Read our article to learn more.

Flir G620a™

The G620a is spectrally filtered to see methane  with a performance OGI detector that meets sensitivity requirements set forth in U.S. EPA OOOOa and Appendix K. Small and lightweight, this camera boasts a robust linear cooler which supports 27,000 hours of non-stop operation.

Multilayered Technology

With Teledyne, you get more than one option for emissions monitoring solutions. Teledyne’s family of companies, including Flir and Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection, allow oil and gas operators to employ multiple technologies in a methane detection layered approach providing more confidence and better results for emissions monitoring.

In the above example of a multi-layered approach, an OGI camera pans around a site to ensure complete coverage for gas imaging (orange circle) while the gas sensors provide broad coverage of the facility with multiple units (green circles).

Flir ADGiLE™ 

The ADGiLE solution bring together Flir OGI technology with advanced leak detection analytics to visualize and pinpoint methane emissions efficiently. Designed for both day and night operation, ADGiLE ensures round-the-clock safety and compliance. With ADGiLE, natural gas producers can monitor their entire facility via pan and tilt tours, ensuring all components are inspected regularly. Real-time video visualizes gas plumes while alerts and event recording provide detailed analysis.

By layering the ADGiLE solution using continuous monitoring OGI technologies with state-of-the-art fixed methane sensor technology, operators can have the piece of mind that emissions are under control.

Teledyne Gasurveyor 700 — GDCloud™ Enabled

This highly configurable instrument utilizes leading performance infrared gas detection technology in a robust and reliable design with a user-friendly interface with powerful field data analysis and visualization capabilities. Key benefits include:

• LEL & Volume Gas Infrared Detection optional sensors including: PPM, O₂, CO, H₂S
• Optional GPS mapping — breadcrumb trail mapping
• Data sharing, compliance reporting

Teledyne GDCloud

Teledyne GDCloud is a comprehensive cloud-based solution designed to empower the users to effortlessly manage their fleet of gas detection equipment, streamline data review processes and ensure continuous compliance with regulatory standards. It also simplifies the implementation of safety programs, making it easier than ever to uphold the highest safety standards. One of the standout features of GDCloud is its ability to provide detailed visualizations of field sessions. With precise location tracking, users can trace the routes taken by the field technicians during investigations and pinpoint exact locations of gas readings. This location intelligence is crucial for detecting gas leaks, analyzing hazards, and documenting emission sources.

The dynamic charts and detailed data tables offer even deeper insights into field data and events, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency. GDCloud excels in fleet management, offering a cost-effective, condition-based module with tools for tracking equipment status, reporting faults, and performing remote diagnostics. The intuitive, customizable dashboard provides comprehensive visibility into the operational and compliance status of all your gas detectors. Secure storage of the calibration records and easy access to the instrument's operational history simplifies compliance reporting and enhances overall safety management capabilities.

MethaSense Trace

Designed for continuous methane emission monitoring, detection, and quantification with 50 ppm sensitivity—perfect for high-precision monitoring and rapid leak detection across a wide range of applications, including emissions monitoring, utility environments, and early-warning safety detection. 

• Methane Detection using advanced NDIR (non-dispersive infrared) sensor technology
• 50 ppm sensitivity
• LoRaWAN wireless communication
• Compact battery-powered design for up to 10-year lifetime

 
FLIR Si2x™
This one-handed, ATEX-certified acoustic camera combines advanced leak detection and fault identification with the safety features needed for use in hazardous environments. Designed to keep your operations safe and running smoothly, the FLIR Si2x visualizes the sound of industrial gas and compressed air leaks so you can pinpoint the source and begin immediate repairs.

• Precisely detect and locate compressed air leaks, pressurized gas leaks, and partial discharges
• Use in non-regulatory methane applications
• ATEX-certified with integrated cloud software