Optical gas imaging is an infrared system used by the oil and gas industry to detect leaks of methane and other greenhouse gas emissions from petroleum refineries. Despite being introduced in 2005, the technology remained mostly stagnant for the better part of fifteen years. OGI cameras could weigh well over 8 pounds, and image quality was so bad in some cases, that only highly-experienced operators could see gas leaks at all.

The AURA camera was designed specifically to leap lightyears ahead in terms image quality, range, battery life, and weight. Working with a multidisciplinary team across a variety of specialty companies, we developed a new OGI camera that detect gas leaks from as far as two miles away, weighed less than any other camera on the market, and could operate in explosive environments.

Despite the AURA camera’s angular design, we were able to make surprisingly ergonomic through persistent iteration. It was also critical that all buttons be placed within reach, without readjusting the hand, while custom hand and neck straps ensured a secure fit for the user.

Yellow is the internationally-recognized color for gas, and as such, it was chosen for the camera not only to signal its intended use, but also to be high-visibility in extremely dark or bright conditions.

With AURA as the active aspect of emissions leak detection, SOOFIE functions as the passive aspect. By placing an array of SOOFIE units around the perimeter of a facility, they use wind direction, speed, and time of day to help pinpoint gas leaks. These were designed to be fully weatherproof in both dry and wet environments, as well as sub-freezing and scorching conditions, all while keeping unit cost low and serviceability high and maintaining the angular design language established with the AURA camera.