🔥 Optical Gas Imaging vs. Acoustic Camera: Which Is Right for Your Leak Detection Needs?

In an era where energy efficiency, regulatory compliance, and operational safety are paramount, leak detection has become a top priority for industries like oil & gas, utilities, and chemical processing. Two dominant tools in this field are Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) and Acoustic Cameras. But which one should you choose?

Let’s explore how each technology works and which scenarios best suit them.

🔍 What is Optical Gas Imaging (OGI)?

OGI cameras use infrared sensors combined with spectral filters to detect gas emissions that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. Gases like methane or VOCs absorb infrared energy and show up as “smoke” on the camera screen.

OGI is ideal for:

• Regulatory compliance inspections (e.g., EPA Method 21)

• Environmental audits

• Detecting specific gases from a distance

• Tracking emissions for reporting and mitigation

OGI is especially valuable for companies who must demonstrate Best System of Emissions Reduction (BSER) compliance.

🎧 What is Acoustic Imaging?

Acoustic imaging cameras like the FLaiTek A2 or Ai67 use arrays of ultrasonic microphones to capture and visualize high-frequency sounds from leaks or mechanical faults. This sound data is displayed in real-time as a visual heatmap overlaid on the video feed.

Acoustic imaging is excellent for:

• Detecting pressurized air/gas leaks

• Locating vacuum system leaks

• Finding loose screws, bolts, or bearings

• Identifying partial discharge in electrical systems

• Working in noisy environments where other sensors struggle

⚖️ Which One Should You Use?

Feature	Optical Gas Imaging	Acoustic Imaging
Leak Type	Gas-specific (methane, VOCs)	General (air, gas, steam, vacuum)
Best Use	Compliance, gas tracking	Maintenance, fault prevention
Setup	Trained operator, specific gas targeting	Plug-and-play, intuitive
Range	Long-distance inspections	Short to medium-range, focused
Noise Tolerance	Limited	Excellent

💡 Final Thought: Why Not Both?

For many operations, both technologies offer complementary benefits. Use OGI to stay compliant and track emissions, and use Acoustic Imaging to keep your plant running smoothly and energy efficient.

FLaiTek offers Acoustic-Infrared hybrid models like the Ai67 and iPro7, combining both capabilities into a single, powerful inspection tool—perfect for modern industrial workflows.

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FLaiTek A2 Acoustic Camera 64 MEMS for Air Gas Leak Detection

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