Viewgas – patented gas vision system for a safe and fast detection of gas leaks
Gas leaks detectors are often part of an emergency shutdown system (ESD), where the detector can interface a control system and automatically shut down a process in case of a leak. A reliable ESD is an absolute necessity to minimize the potentially catastrophic consequences of a gas leakage. For the ESD, a high safety integrity level (SIL) is needed. Conventional point and line detectors are SIL certified. However, these systems have several shortcomings (detection depends on meteorological conditions; coverage is limited to a specific point or a line; don’t operate in real-time; are not able to identify the source of the leakage; can respond and elicit false alarms due to the presence of dust or water vapor), which together have propelled the emergence of Optical Gas Imaging (OGI). Still, today, none of the existing OGI systems are SIL certified, which hinders their integration with operators’ ESDs. Gas Optics (GO) aims to address this unmet need by commercializing the first and only SIL-graded OGI system with its patented GVS technology. GVS represents a gamechanger for natural gas leak detection as it allows an invisible gas leak to be immediately pinpointed and evaluated. The unique value proposition is achieved by using GO`s proprietary technology (gas correlation) as a principle of measurement – proven to be the most sensitive and reliable way to recognize gasses (key advantage over existing OGI technologies to SIL approval). GVS provides substantially better area coverage, presenting intuitive, real-time pictures of gas leaks. To ensure SIL certification and successful commercialization, GO needs to conduct all the activities required to meet SIL requirements, and to carry out large field trials for technology demonstration and validation. These comprise the innovation project objectives. If successfully achieving the objectives, GO will position as a leading supplier of OGI systems, with anticipated cumulated net profits of €30M, 5 years post-project.