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Technical and Commercial Feasibility of the Third Generation LDAR (LDAR3) TechnologyPresented at 14th ISA LDAR Symposium

New Orleans, LouisianaMay, 2014

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Presenter: Jonathan MorrisCTO, Providence Photonics

• BS in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University.

• Multiple patents in the field of autonomous gas leak detection using IR imagery.

• CTO at Providence Photonics

Background

• Traditional LDAR– EPA Method 21– Expensive and labor intensive

– $250,000 - $1,000,000 per year per facility (depending on component count)

– Certain components are not covered– Complicated program and tedious field work

• Smart LDAR– Optical gas imaging (IR cameras)– Lower cost – EPA promulgated Alternative Work Practice (AWP) rule in Dec.

2008– Adoption of AWP is severely limited because the AWP rule requires

Method 21 once every 3 quarters

Background

• Next generation – LDAR3– Proposed by Providence in 2006– Unattended IR cameras with computer vision algorithm

capable of recognizing plume– Fugitive emissions from leaks are a function of detection

limit and frequency of inspections– Increased monitoring frequency allows early leak

detection, resulting in equal or better environmental performance even at a higher leak definition

– Coverage for non-traditional LDAR components

Background

• A technical analysis – Monte Carlo Simulation

Enabling Technology

• Advancements in optical gas imaging have made LDAR3 feasible– Autonomous leak detection algorithms – The core

enabler– ExxonMobil/Providence InteliRedTM

– Other enabling/enhancing techniques:– Industrial enclosures for continuous operation in harsh

environments– Higher resolution imagers– Better optics, continuous zoom, longer focal lengths– Extended lifetime coolers– Remote camera/gimbal/lens control

• IntelliRedTM jointly developed by ExxonMobil and Providence

• Autonomous remote gas plume detection• Computer vision algorithm applied to infrared (IR)

video for continuous surveillance• Industrial alarming interface (Modbus/TCP)• Real-time streaming video enhancement• The core enabling technology for LDAR3

Autonomous Leak Detection Algorithm

Autonomous Leak Detection Algorithm

• Autonomous detection of 2.5 lb/hr Propane leak at 260 feet

Autonomous Detection Algorithm

• Autonomous detection of 1.25 lb/hr Propane leak at 220 feet

Autonomous Detection Algorithm

• Autonomous detection of large Natural Gas plume at 1200 feet

Field Testing InteliRedTM with Point Detectors

• Point detector range: 0-100 % Lower Explosion Limit (LEL)

• 2 lb/hour propane leak

• 18 inches from point source detector

• 60 feet from Camera

Field Testing InteliRedTM with Point Detectors

Field Testing InteliRedTM with Point and Path Hydrocarbon Detectors

• Open Path Infrared detector – Response: 0-5 LEL-m

• Infrared Combustible Gas Detector– Response: 0-100% LEL

• LSU Fireman Training Facility – Marine container prop

• Two leak points, each 4 lb/hour• Camera located 215 feet from leak source• Winds calm and variable• Temperature 85F, early afternoon

Field Testing InteliRedTM with Point and Path Hydrocarbon Detectors

Field Testing InteliRedTM with Point and Path Hydrocarbon Detectors

• No response from open path detector

• Achieved 5% LEL from point detector (1050 ppm)

Industrial Enclosures

• Purged gimbal and camera enclosure• Vortex cooler• Remote pressure switch• Co-located visible camera• Full 360 degree pan capability• Tested to 60C ambient temperature• Single Ethernet port• ATEX certification

– EX II 2G Exp IIA T3– Zones 1 or 2

• Class 1/Div 2 Groups B,C,D

Advanced Imagers and Optics

• High resolution imager (640 x 512)• Continuous zoom lens (25mm to 100mm)• Optical doubler (50mm to 200mm)• Remote zoom and focus• Remote camera control• Extended life coolers

Extreme Industrial Applications

• Temperature extremes– Prudhoe Bay, Alaska (down to -50C)– Doha, Qatar (up to 60C)

• Industrial settings– ATEX/Class 1 – Industrial interface (Modbus TCP)

Comparison with Smart LDAR

Smart LDAR• Conditions at the time of

inspection may hinder detection of a leak – missed detection for 4-6 months on bi-monthly or quarterly schedule

• Periodical inspection – a leak may be undetected for 2-3 months

• Manual inspection, high operating cost, prone to errors

LDAR3• Continuous detection – a

missed detection in one moment will be detected in a later moment when the conditions become favorable

• Continuous detection – leak detected in near real time

• Higher initial capital cost; much less operating cost

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Summary/Conclusions

• Advancements in technology make LDAR3 technically feasible

• The InteliRedTM technology is now commercially available

• Cost savings vs. Method 21 and Smart LDAR make LDAR3 economically feasible

• For environmental compliance, changes in regulations will be required – ideally incorporated in the Uniform Standard

• For non-regulatory applications (e.g., process safety, proactive leak reduction for better LDAR results), the InteliRedTM technology is ready NOW

Technical and Commercial Feasibility of the Third Generation LDAR (LDAR3) Technology Page 21

Jonathan MorrisProvidence Photonics, LLC

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

http://www.providencephotonics.com225-766-7400

Questions?