Challenge
Air monitor alarms continued to be triggered in a process building, indicating dangerously-high concentrations of H2S. Numerous attempts to locate the source with hand-held devices were unsuccessful.
Constraints
Given a complex system inside the building, piping was obstructive and made access to all areas difficult. Process vessels extended to 20 feet in height, hampering the use of handheld sniffers and exposing staff to potential danger.
Solution
GasFindIR cameras were used to locate the leaks from a safe distance. These cameras used a telephoto lens at a distance, finding and recording a <.8gr/hr leak.
Result
Stray gas emissions were seen at a flange near the top of a vessel and in the process piping. A post-repair scan showed the previous leak was repaired, but two new emission leaks were created when the piping was taken apart.