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

Presented at 14 th ISA LDAR Symposium New Orleans, Louisiana May, 2014

Presenter: Jonathan Morris CTO, 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 2

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 InteliRed TM – 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

Autonomous Leak Detection Algorithm

• IntelliRed TM Providence jointly developed by ExxonMobil and • 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 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 InteliRed TM 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 InteliRed TM with Point Detectors

Field Testing InteliRed TM 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 InteliRed TM with Point and Path Hydrocarbon Detectors

Field Testing InteliRed TM 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 19

Summary/Conclusions

• Advancements in technology make LDAR3 technically feasible • The InteliRed TM 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 InteliRed TM technology is ready NOW

Questions?

http://www.providencephotonics.com

225-766-7400 Jonathan Morris Providence Photonics, LLC Baton Rouge, Louisiana Technical and Commercial Feasibility of the Third Generation LDAR (LDAR3) Technology Page 21