Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) for Methane and Emissions Monitoring

OGI stands for Optical Gas Imaging. It is a method that uses specialized infrared cameras to visualize certain gas emissions that cannot be seen with the naked eye. In upstream oil and gas applications, OGI helps operators identify potential methane and VOC releases around equipment. Continuous OGI adds persistent observation rather than relying solely on periodic, manual inspection campaigns.

An OGI sensor is typically an infrared imaging device configured to detect the spectral characteristics of gases such as methane and volatile organic compounds. Well Checked uses Long-Wave Infrared imaging as part of a multi-sensor platform. The camera signal is evaluated alongside video and acoustic information, helping the system distinguish likely fugitive events from expected process activity.

Some thermal imaging cameras can detect gas leaks, but not every thermal camera is designed for that purpose. Gas-capable Optical Gas Imaging cameras use specific infrared bands to make target gases visible under suitable conditions. Detection performance can be influenced by gas type, concentration, temperature contrast, weather, distance, and background. Proper configuration and event validation are essential for useful results.

Periodic LDAR inspections provide a snapshot of site conditions on the day of the survey. Continuous OGI observes equipment over time, which can reveal intermittent events and establish duration data that a single visit may miss. Well Checked combines continuous imaging with AI-assisted validation and alerts, allowing teams to prioritize confirmed anomalies and dispatch based on operational need.

Well Checked’s Zentinal Core™ uses multi-sensor inputs and a site-learning cycle to recognize normal conditions and identify anomalous events. Video, Long-Wave Infrared OGI, and acoustic signals provide complementary context. Alert tuning can also adjust per-site sensitivity, suppress known non-fugitive process events, and refine escalation rules as operating baselines change, reducing alert fatigue for operators.

Yes. Continuous OGI monitoring can produce records that support detection, response, and emissions-management workflows when configured for the applicable program. Well Checked structures its data to support EPA methane rule 40 CFR Part 60 Subpart OOOOb alternative-monitoring compliance submissions and aligns measurement outputs with OGMP 2.0 Level 4/5 reporting frameworks. Reporting requirements should always be reviewed for each facility.

Once Zentinal Core™ validates a fugitive gas event, designated operator teams can receive near-real-time notifications through the Well Checked Dashboard, email, text, and SCADA integrations. Well Checked also provides response-workflow templates and dispatch runbooks. These tools help operators acknowledge, dispatch, and mitigate validated events within a 24-hour response window when their operating procedures allow.

The Zensory.ai™ architecture uses onsite edge computing that can operate independently of communications for reliable remote wellsite monitoring. This supports local sensor processing and event awareness where connectivity can be inconsistent. Deployment planning should assess available power, communications, equipment layout, and monitoring objectives so the system can be configured appropriately for each site and operational workflow.