Aerial optical gas imaging
Methane detection helicopter surveys to detect leaks, pinpoint the source, and accelerate action —at scale.
Aerial Optical Gas Imaging (AOGI)™ helicopter surveys provide a fast, scalable approach to methane emissions detection across large and geographically dispersed operations. The solution helps operators meet compliance requirements, reduce the cost and complexity of leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs, and proactively manage emissions. A high-resolution optical gas imaging (OGI) camera mounted on a low-flying helicopter detects and visually confirms emissions in real time, surveying up to 150 sites per day and capturing location, imagery, and other data to pinpoint emission sources.
By enabling survey-by-exception workflows, AOGI helicopter surveys can reduce reliance on routine ground-based inspections and minimize unnecessary site visits. Surveys can be up to 6.5 times faster than traditional ground-based LDAR crews, helping reduce operating costs and on-site exposure while accelerating emissions mitigation across assets at scale.
Scalable methane detection across your operations
- Complex facilities: Rapid screening across pads, gathering systems, and midstream facilities to prioritize ground teams.
- Hard-to-reach locations: Access remote or restricted sites safely while minimizing operational downtime.
- Post-maintenance verification: Confirm repairs and document outcomes with time-stamped video evidence.
- Baseline and campaign surveys: Establish baselines ahead of LDAR rollouts; repeat to measure progress over time.
Turn surveys into action—quickly and credibly
Survey up to 100 sites per day
Gain maximum coverage and survey efficiency with a custom flight plan, designed by experienced pilots
Clearer root-cause attribution
Component-level visuals guide technicians directly to likely leak sources.
Program efficiency
Prioritized work orders reduce repeat truck rolls and unnecessary site visits.
Compliance confidence
Deliver auditable records and visuals that align to EPA requirements and other regulatory expectations
Greater coverage, faster leak response
- Precise, EPA-approved detection: EPA-approved Alternative Test Method with a 0.28 kg/hr methane MDL at 94% probability of detection and source localization within a 0.5-m radius.
- High-resolution aerial imaging: Stabilized MWIR OGI camera captures high-definition thermal video and geotagged imagery, differentiating leaks, vents, and potential safety risks.
- Agile helicopter surveys: Low-altitude flight enables rapid screening across complex, distributed, and hard-to-access assets.
- Connected detection and reporting: Onboard real-time detection and secure cloud-based reporting streamline data delivery into LDAR and maintenance workflows.
A high-resolution OGI camera mounted on a low-flying helicopter detects and visually confirms emissions in real time while surveying up to 100 sites per day. Thermal and RGB video are paired with location and other metadata to pinpoint sources.
Following a two-step quality review, operators receive results within 48 hours, including leak summaries, component-level coordinates, severity classifications, and imagery. The integrated workflow enables survey-by-exception programs and accelerates leak response.
What is aerial optical gas imaging?
An aerial application of optical gas imaging (OGI) to visualize suspected methane emissions across large areas, complementing on-site LDAR inspections.
Does aerial OGI replace ground-based LDAR?
No. It accelerates screening and prioritization. Ground teams confirm, quantify (if applicable), and repair.
What deliverables will I receive?
Timestamped videos/stills, annotated findings, and a summary file that can be imported to your LDAR system for immediate action.
Where can aerial OGI fly?
Flight rules and permissions vary by jurisdiction. SLB aligns survey design with applicable regulations and site access requirements.
