ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company has awarded the first commercial license for its innovative InteliRed™ remote gas detection system to co-developer Providence Photonics, LLC. The InteliRed system is designed to improve process safety and environmental performance at oil refineries, chemical plants, liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities and other gas processing facilities. This new, state-of-the-art system employs a specially developed computer algorithm to autonomously analyze infrared camera images to detect escaping hydrocarbon gases. The InteliRed system provides an early warning alert of hydrocarbon leaks with minimal false alarms.

Providence Photonics, LLC is an affiliate of Providence Engineering headquartered in Baton Rouge, La. ExxonMobil and Providence scientists co-developed the InteliRed system over a four-year period culminating in field tests of the system that began last year at an LNG liquefaction plant in Qatar.

“The InteliRed system is the latest example of ExxonMobil’s continuous focus on process safety and environmental protection,” said Sara N. Ortwein, president of ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company. “Our collaboration with the imaging experts at Providence Photonics has resulted in a remote gas detection system that is very accurate and, with its robust design, is capable of operating in the harsh environments of many different oil and gas processing facilities around the world.”

“This system automatically and relentlessly scans for hydrocarbon gas leaks from process equipment and notifies operators to take action before the leak can become a hazard,” said Yousheng Zeng, Providence managing partner. “Our global license from ExxonMobil enables Providence to bring this unique process safety technology to our customers around the world.”