Quantitative Optical Gas Imaging (QOGI) has progressed from a promising innovation to a proven field technology, supported by a series of independent, peer-reviewed and industry-sponsored studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The studies cover controlled laboratory releases, blind field trials and real-world oil and gas operations. Together, they demonstrate QOGI\u2019s ability to detect and quantify fugitive hydrocarbon emissions, while also highlighting the importance of proper setup, environmental awareness and operator training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For operators looking to strengthen Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR), Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) and compliance workflows, the findings provide valuable insight into how QOGI performs under different conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the key studies, sponsored by Concawe and conducted at VITO in Belgium, compared an early QOGI system directly with Method 21 using 61 controlled hydrocarbon releases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
QOGI detected 100% of the leaks, with quantification errors ranging from -23% to 69% and an average error of 6%. Method 21 showed a wider error range of -92% to 667%, with an average error of 31%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The study concluded that QOGI provided more accurate and robust leak-rate estimates than sniffer-based quantification, particularly when there was a temperature difference of at least 5\u00b0C between the gas and the background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The results also demonstrated robust detection and quantification across a wide emission range, supporting QOGI as a practical tool for LDAR and environmental monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is important to note that the study evaluated an early QOGI system, with significant technological improvements made since the testing was conducted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Laboratory testing provides one part of the picture. A separate study sponsored by the European Gas Research Group (GERG) evaluated QOGI and other methane quantification technologies under controlled outdoor conditions in Zaragoza, Spain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The testing was conducted without operators knowing the actual leak rates. QOGI measurements were typically within a factor of three of the actual emission rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The study also showed that performance was influenced by release size, background and environmental conditions. Operator technique and setup were important, while averaging multiple measurements could improve accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These findings highlight the importance of understanding the conditions in which QOGI is being used and following appropriate measurement practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taking QOGI into the field<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Alberta Methane Field Challenge provided another opportunity to evaluate QOGI in real-world conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The large-scale field evaluation covered approximately 50 oil and gas sites and compared different methane detection and quantification technologies, with QOGI used as a baseline reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n QOGI enabled rapid screening and facility-level emission profiling, helping support site prioritization and emissions inventory development. The study also reinforced its value as a first-pass screening tool within integrated MRV workflows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n QOGI produced an aggregate error of only 18% in the study and demonstrated its ability to provide rapid facility-level emission estimates while complementing other detection technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A further study at METEC at Colorado State University evaluated QOGI using single-blind controlled releases designed to simulate well-pad operations, including vegetation and ambient outdoor environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Across 357 measurements and 26 release scenarios, 75% of QOGI quantifications were within a factor of three of the true emission rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The testing also identified several conditions that influenced accuracy. Performance was strongest with low wind and clear-sky backgrounds, while measurements from multiple vantage points helped reduce outliers. Higher release rates and measurement distances between 2 and 10 metres were also associated with higher accuracy and fewer outliers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The findings reinforce that QOGI performance depends not only on the technology itself, but also on how measurements are taken and the environmental conditions at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taken together, these independent studies demonstrate that QOGI can detect and quantify methane leaks across a range of operating and environmental conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The evidence shows particularly strong performance when environmental factors are understood and best practices are followed, including proper setup and trained operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Across a range of scenarios, QOGI has also demonstrated advantages over traditional sniffer-based methods, particularly in its ability to visualise emissions, prioritize sources and support quantification at scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For operators, this can provide actionable data to support LDAR programs, MRV initiatives and evolving compliance and reporting requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The body of independent research provides a growing evidence base for QOGI as a reliable, field-ready solution for emissions detection and quantification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n