Figure 2. The IntelliView DCAM consists of a thermal sensor, a colour sensor, and built-in AI engine. It is designed to automatically detect and sound an alarm on pre-defined events. Thermal and colour images are rendered side-by-side, with analytic software tracking displayed to serve as visual aid (left), as shown in the screen grab of a simulated leak at commissioning.
Faster response
Figure 3. Installing AI cameras in high-priority regions is a cost-effective way to enhance monitoring capabilities. They work in conjunction with other methods, closing close coverage gaps and adding a layer of protection.
The gains of automating with intelligent thermal cameras Intelligent vision technologies can contribute valuably to field monitoring and hold the key to delivering many of the benefits and advantages of automation, across many levels.
Greater, continuous level of awareness
AI replaces hours and hours of manual screen viewing, freeing up valuable time that workers can utilise for more critical tasks, such as maintenance and repair. Potentially disruptive events that take place during the day or night can be detected without human involvement. Additionally, with the combined capabilities of IIoT and wireless infrastructures, hundreds of enterprise-wide distributed cameras can be streamlined into a single platform, rendering the management of large-scale and complex monitoring needs effortless.
Improved detection
With intelligent thermal imaging, visibility and detection of objects in the dark is significantly improved even without an illumination source. The technology can also see early-stage liquid and wet hydrocarbon releases that are approximately 0.4 l/s in size, which can be up to 40 times smaller than what is detectable through computational pipeline monitoring methods. Spring 2022 30
An alarm that is pre-validated onsite and accompanied by visual evidence removes the guesswork, allowing operators to confirm, pinpoint the location of the anomaly, and take informed and appropriate action at speed. This could be remotely shutting down the affected area of operations and dispatching a remediation crew instead of commissioning manpower or a drone scan first. AI cameras can also be linked to a control system (e.g. SCADA) to further reduce effort and response times. A midstream company in Colorado, US, uses vision-based leak detection technology in conjunction with a secondary sensor to facilitate autonomous shutdown.
Lower HSE impacts
By having the ability to respond immediately to leaks, fire, theft, or vandalism, the environmental footprint of operations, along with regulatory scrutiny and reputation damage, can be mitigated. Having remote video access to the field, either via alarm videos or recorded videos, provides a safe means for first responders and maintenance staff to conduct situational assessments. Additionally, unaware workers onsite can be warned very early on of the location and status of emerging dangers.
Cost savings
An onshore spill clean-up bill can amount to anywhere between US$300 000 – US$15 million. One example of this is the Buncefield Oil Depot fire that cost Total a little over US$1 billion (£750 million) in damages from tank overspill. Through timely notifications and actionable data, intelligent cameras can help lessen or avoid these financial liabilities, as well as product loss and production downtime. Operational savings can also be achieved by replacing manual video monitoring and in-person trips. Up to 50% reduction in site visit related wages were observed by a global energy company after installing AI leak detection cameras. Furthermore, adding more cameras to a site and more sites to the system will have minimal impact on operating expenses, and the use
