Detecting gases with OGI camera's (gasfinders)

In this article, we look at which gases are detectable with OGI camera and which are not. And how does an OGI camera or gas finder actually work? You can read more about this in this article. Are you interested in an OGI camera? Please contact our specialists.
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Detecting gases with OGI cameras (gasfinders)

What types of gases can be visualized?

An Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) camera can detect some gases and not others because of the way they work and the specific properties of gases with respect to infrared radiation.


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4 terms explained

  1. Infrared Radiation: An OGI camera uses infrared radiation to detect detect gases. Infrared radiation is a form of heat radiation that is not visible to the human eye.

  2. Spectral Absorption: Each gas has its own unique "fingerprint" when it comes to infrared absorption. This means that gases can absorb and reflect infrared radiation in different ways.

  3. Bandpass filter: The OGI camera is equipped with a special filter, called a bandpass filter, that passes a certain range of infrared wavelengths. This filter is matched to the wavelengths to which the specific gas reacts.

  4. Detection of Absorption: When infrared radiation passes through a gas, some gases absorb the radiation within the specific wavelength range of the filter, while other gases do not. Gases that absorb the radiation become visible on the camera screen, while gases that do not absorb this radiation are not visible.

In brief

In other words, the OGI camera can detect only those gases that absorb infrared radiation within the specific range transmitted by the camera's bandpass filter. Gases with different chemical properties will absorb infrared radiation in different ways, and therefore the camera can detect some gases and not others, depending on their infrared absorption characteristics and the filter used.

gas detection with ogi camera

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Discover Invisible Gases with a Gasfinder

Have you ever wondered how to detect invisible gases? That's where an OGI camera, or gas finder, comes in. This advanced technology uses infrared imaging to reveal gas leaks that would otherwise go undetected.

Why use a gas finder?

Using an OGI camera offers numerous advantages, including:

  • Safety: Detecting gas leaks can save lives and prevent dangerous situations.
  • Efficiency: Gas leaks can be quickly located and repaired, preventing costly waste.
  • Environmental Friendliness: It minimizes greenhouse gas emissions and reduces environmental impact.

How does an OGI camera work?

The operation of a gas finder is based on the principle of spectral absorption. Here's how it works:

  1. Infrared Radiation: An OGI camera emits infrared radiation to the area to be examined.

  2. Gas in Focus: When infrared radiation passes through a volume of gas, certain gases absorb this radiation at specific wavelengths.

  3. Visual Display: The camera detects the changes in infrared radiation caused by gas absorption and translates them into a visual image.

  4. Visible Gas Leaks: Visible indications of gas leaks appear on the camera screen as cloud-like plumes or spots, even if these gases are invisible to the human eye.


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An overview: Which OGI camera measures which gases?

The table below lists Teledyne FLIR gas imaging cameras and the specific gases they can measure. The overview includes the following OGI cameras. The refrigerated cameras: GX320, GX620, G620, G343, G346, G304, G306. And the uncooled cameras: GF77-LR, GF77-HR

  • L = Low sensitivity (<250 ppm x m)
  • M = Medium sensitivity (<150 ppm x m)
  • H = High sensitivity (<50 ppm x m)
  • f = Maybe requires field testing

Gas Chemical Formula Gx320 Gx620 G620 G343 G346 G304 G306 GF77-LR GF77-HR
Acetic Acid C2H4O2 H M
Acetylene C2H2 F
Acrolein C3H4O M H L
Turpentine C10H16 H L
Ammonia NH3 H M
Benzene C6H6 H
1.3-Butadiene C4H6 H H M
Butane C4H10 H F
Carbon dioxide CO2 H
Carbon monoxide CO H
Ethane C2H6 H F
Ethyl alcohol C2H6O H L L M
Acrylic acid C5H8O2 H M
Ethyl hexyl acrylate C11H20O2 M H M F
Ethylene C2H4 M H F M
Ethylene glycol C2H6O2 M F M
Ethylbenzene C8H10 H
Ethylene oxide C2H4O H F M
Formaldehyde CH2O M F
Heptane C7H16 H F
Hexane C6H14 H F
Isoprene C5H8 L M
Methane CH4 H M F
Methanol CH4O H M
MEK C4H8 M F
Nitrogen trifluoride F3N M M
Nitrous oxide N2O H M
Octane C8H18 H F
Pentane C5H12 H
Phenol C6H6O M H M
Phosphine H3P H
Propane C3H8 H
Propylene C3H6 H M
R11 CCl3F M
R12 CCl2F2 M M
R13 CClF3 H M
R13B1 (Halon 1301) CBrF3 H M
R22 CHClF2 H M
R23 CHF3
R123 C2HCl2F3 H M
R125 C2HF5 H M
R134A C2H2F4 H M
R152a C2H4F2 F
R407C 23% CH2F2 - 25% C2HF5 -
52% C2H2F4		 R134a F R134a F
R410A 50% CH2F2 - 50% C2HF5 F F
R417A 46.6% C2HF5 - 50% C2H2F4 -
3.4% C4H10		 H M
R422A 85.1% C2HF5 - 11.5% C2H2F4 -
3.4% C4H10		 H M
R507A 50% C2HF5 - 50% C2H3F3 R125 F R125 F
R508a (61%) C2F6 H M
Sulfur dioxide SO2 M
Sulfur hexafluoride SF6 H M
Toluene C7H8 H
Vinyl chloride C2H3Cl M L

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OGI cameras / gasfinders from TELEDYNE FLIR

FLIR offers a wide range of OGI cameras tailored to different types of gases and applications, making them a valuable tool for improving safety, efficiency and environmental performance in various industries. As a FLIR distributor, Sensor Partners is the right place for professional advice when purchasing an OGI camera.


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