Infrared radiation
Gas detection using infrared imaging

Recent events, such as the explosion of a chemical plant in Toulouse in September 2001, have placed ever-increasing demands on industrialists in terms of the safety of high-risk facilities. Early detection of leaks of flammable, explosive or toxic vapors and gases is an absolute necessity in chemical and petrochemical plants, as well as in hydrocarbon and solvent storage facilities. Several methods are commonly used: catalytic combustion, point infrared absorption, infrared barrier and now infrared imaging. These detectors can be divided into three categories: point sensors, linear sensors (infrared barrier) and imaging sensors.

Bertin Technologies has patented a gas detection system using infrared imaging, with partial funding from the French Ministry of Defense. How it works is described here.