Honeywell Automated Methane Monitoring Identifies Leaks
Automation giant Honeywell has released a new gas cloud imaging (GCI) system in select European countries.
Dubbed “Mini GCI,” the solution is designed to provide automated and continuous monitoring for leaks of dangerous and polluting gases, including methane within oil and gas facilities. With the release of the CGI system, Honeywell also aims to help companies reduce gas emissions and reach global climate and environmental goals.
The Honeywell Rebellion Mini GCI System
The Mini is part of Honeywell’s Rebellion GCI product portfolio family. According to the company, traditional gas leak detection methods require workers to periodically inspect a site with handheld thermal imaging cameras, a time-consuming and imprecise process.
The Honeywell Rebellion Mini GCI System. Image used courtesy of Honeywell
Working through artificial intelligence (AI)-powered hyperspectral gas analytics, the Mini enables facility operators to see an “optical fingerprint” of the gas cloud. This not only enables them to differentiate multiple gases but also provides extra information about the gas facilities in real-time, including gas plume type, location, direction, size, and concentration.
The result is a continuous monitoring system capable of promptly spotting leaks before they grow bigger while preventing potential safety issues.
GCI Key Features
From a technical standpoint, all Rebellion GCI cameras can capture both infrared spectrum and visible video to monitor, quantify, and display toxic and explosive gas leaks in real-time.
The Rebellion GCI cameras can provide information regarding harmful gas leaks. Image used courtesy of Honeywell
Honeywell's hardware is reportedly self-calibrating and capable of continuous operation in all weather conditions. The Mini GCI system, in particular, is a compact device designed for applications in small sites and congested areas.
The system can provide information about the gas concentration, leak size, and location. It also enables operators to set up real-time alerts and alarms and display live videos of the leak while simultaneously issuing notifications via text or email.
Thanks to a clear visualization of the leak location, size, and wind drift to verify the threat, operators can promptly intervene and aid the fast and effective first response.
Designed to Reduce Gas Emissions
The European Union (EU) recently unveiled a new strategy to reduce methane emissions throughout the continent.
A plant using Honeywell’s Mini GCI. Image used courtesy of Honeywell
In line with this vision, Honeywell committed to achieving carbon neutrality in its operations and facilities by 2035. "To help address global climate change, energy companies are establishing goals to effectively manage methane emissions," explained Renaud Mazarguil, president of Honeywell's Gas Analysis and Safety business.
To further these efforts, Honeywell is also developing new, advanced methane quantification capabilities for its system. These enable customers to measure methane gas emissions faster and more effectively.
The company’s GCI system has been installed in more than 25 major energy and chemical customer facilities worldwide. Honeywell hopes its GCI devices will help address the goals set forth by the EU.
