Recently, the national standard Non-destructive Testing — Optical Gas Imaging Method for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Leakage has been officially implemented. Led by Ningbo Special Equipment Inspection and Research Institute and co-compiled by Ruichuang Suishi as a core drafting participant, this standard fills the gap of unified specifications for OGI infrared visual leak detection in China’s petrochemical industry.

Technology Application: OGI optical infrared thermal imaging technology visualizes invisible VOC vapor clouds. It enables long-distance non-contact inspection of minor leaks in pipelines and storage tanks. Replacing traditional point-by-point patrols, the technology is suitable for refineries, coal chemical plants and LNG terminals.

Industry Value: Previously, there was no unified testing specification in China, and measurement data from instruments of different manufacturers were not comparable. The new standard unifies testing procedures, error limits and judgment rules for environmental operating conditions.

Domestic Progress: Domestic handheld infrared gas imagers are equipped with self-developed uncooled infrared detectors and AI gas cloud recognition algorithms. Capable of detecting dozens of gases such as methane, ammonia and refrigerants, these domestic instruments match the performance of imported counterparts and accelerate the localized replacement of leak detection equipment in the oil & gas industry.

Industry Impact: Chemical parks and refining & chemical enterprises nationwide will gradually phase out old portable single-point detectors. Tender demands for VOC infrared imaging leak inspection instruments are expected to surge in the second half of 2026.