FLIR Launch New Methane Detecting Camera

FLIR Systems has announced the FLIR GF77 Gas Find IR, its first uncooled thermal camera designed for detecting methane.

This new handheld camera offers inspection professionals the features they need to find potentially dangerous, invisible methane leaks at natural gas power plants, renewable energy production facilities, industrial plants, and other locations along a natural gas supply chain. The GF77 provides methane gas detection capability at roughly half the price of cooled gas inspection thermal cameras, to empower the oil and gas industry to reduce emissions and ensure a safer work environment.

Based on the award-winning design of the FLIR T-Series camera platform, the lighter weight GF77 features an ergonomic design, a vibrant LCD touchscreen, and a viewfinder to make it easy to use in any lighting conditions. The camera is engineered specifically to detect methane in order to improve gas inspections and reduce the chance of false readings. The GF77 also offers FLIR's patented High Sensitivity Mode (HSM), which accentuates movement to make tiny gas plumes more visible to the user.

FLIR designed the GF77 to include its most up to date technological features, including laser-assisted autofocus to help inspectors target leaks better, and one-touch contrast improvement that makes gases stand out clearly against the background. Additionally, a rapid-response graphical user interface helps professionals increase efficiency by allowing them to organize job folders, record notes, and add GPS location annotation on the camera.

"Optical gas imaging technology is a real benefit to industries that use or produce methane, but the cost of the technology has been a barrier for some customers," said Jim Cannon, President and CEO of FLIR Systems. "The FLIR GF77 Gas Find IR gas detection camera is built around an uncooled, longwave infrared detector, which costs less to produce than our higher performance, cooled cameras, and therefore we can provide it to customers at a more attractive price point. By providing the industry with access to this groundbreaking technology, we can help improve the safety of professionals on the job."