Standards Development

Scope

This document reflects on the qualification of personnel performing Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) for fugitive emissions. The intention is to add a sub-category to ISO 18436 for this specific purpose as OGI requires a set of skills that is different than the traditional infrared condition monitoring. The skill set includes many similarities between traditional condition monitoring, such as system and component knowledge, but differs in that the user must recognize the conditions for successful gas imaging. Knowledge of Chemistry is essential as well as detector Physics to determine the proper wavelength instrument.

The document is intended for end users, contractors, consultants, service providers and manufacturers.

Purpose

The first recognition of greenhouse gas emissions becoming a problem started with the industrial revolution of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. This coincides with the expansion of drilling for oil in the mid to late 1800’s. However, it wasn’t until the mid to late 1990’s that Methane and volatile organic compounds were recognized as impacting climate change.

Infrared detector and processor technology advanced during the early 2000’s advanced allowing for the detection of gases that absorb infrared energy including, but not limited to, hydrocarbons. Advances throughout the succeeding years added many other greenhouse gases outside of the petroleum industry.

The need for qualified personnel to operate these instruments dramatically increased between 2005 and 2008 when the US EPA was developing the regulations for fugitive emissions. Currently there are no standards for the qualification of personnel: 18436-9 which is built on the qualifications of ISO 18436-1 remedies that.