Gas Imaging IR Camera Calibration System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas imaging infrared (IR) cameras lack a standardized, quantitative method for performance verification and leak detection, relying on subjective daily checks that fail to detect sensitivity changes or differences among cameras, limiting their adoption as a complete replacement for conventional leak detection methods.
Innovation Solution
A calibration/verification system using a background board with a uniform temperature, target and reference cells filled with specific compounds, and an analyzer to objectively determine camera performance by measuring intensity and temperature differences, providing a quality control chart for quantitative assessment and leak rate calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a qualitative daily camera check is performed, then the camera can be quickly verified, but the sensitivity changes and performance differences among cameras cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the qualitative camera check into a quantitative measurement system by changing the parameter from subjective visual assessment to objective intensity difference measurements. The system uses temperature differences between target and reference cells to produce measurable intensity variations that can be quantified and tracked over time, enabling detection of sensitivity changes that qualitative methods miss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual, operator-dependent qualitative check with an automated measurement system that uses infrared imaging to detect intensity differences. This substitution eliminates human subjectivity and provides consistent, repeatable measurements that can objectively detect camera performance changes.
2Productivity
If gas imaging IR cameras are used for leak detection, then large numbers of components can be checked at once, but quantitative measurement of concentration and leak rate cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces target cells and reference cells as intermediary objects that mediate between the camera and the quantitative measurement goal. These cells contain known concentrations of target compounds and reference compounds, allowing the camera to measure intensity differences that can be correlated to quantitative concentration and leak rate values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables quantitative measurement by changing the parameter from qualitative gas detection to quantitative intensity difference measurement. By measuring the intensity difference between target and reference cells with known temperature differences, the system can calculate quantitative values for concentration and leak rate that provide precise measurements while maintaining high productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different IR cameras are used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but sensitivity differences among cameras cannot be detected or standardized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an equipotential reference framework using standard target cells and reference cells with known properties. This framework provides a common measurement baseline that allows different cameras to be evaluated on equal terms, enabling comparison of their sensitivities and ensuring consistent performance standards across multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where intensity difference measurements from target and reference cells provide information about camera sensitivity. This feedback allows operators to verify camera performance, detect sensitivity changes, and ensure that different cameras meet standardized performance requirements, thereby maintaining reliability across the camera fleet.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system standardizes the performance verification of gas imaging IR cameras, enabling repeatable and quantifiable measurements of camera sensitivity and leak rates, enhancing their reliability and adoption in regulatory applications.
Implementation Method 1
a background board maintaining a uniform temperature
Implementation Method 2
a target cell filled with a target compound and disposed in front of the background board, a reference cell filled with a reference compound
Data Source
AI summary
The calibration/verification system and method for gas imaging infrared cameras standardizes the procedures to objectively and consistently check performance of gas imaging infrared cameras. This system includes a background board maintaining a uniform temperature, a target cell filled with a target compound and disposed in front of the background board, a reference cell filled with a reference compound and disposed in front of the background board, and an analyzer coupled to the camera that captures images of the gas cell and the reference cell. The analyzer compares the intensity difference and the temperature difference of rays passing through the target cell and reference cell to a reference relationship data of a quality control chart to determine whether the camera is in a working condition. The method is further extended to provide a quantitative measurement of a hydrocarbon plume from a gas imaging infrared camera.