Real-world methane leak detection requires more than simply knowing that gas is escaping. Inspectors need to locate the exact source, identify the gas and evaluate the leak on site.
During a recent field inspection in the UK, HERTZINNO partner OSS used the HA3LX Acoustic Imaging Camera to detect an extremely small methane leak under real operating conditions.
Despite the very low leak level, the HA3 LX successfully visualized the ultrasonic signal, pinpointed the leak location and used its integrated TDLAS methane detection capability to verify methane concentration.
A second field test also demonstrated methane concentration measurement during an active gas release, highlighting the HA3 LX’s ability to combine acoustic leak localization and methane-specific detection in one handheld instrument.
The leak rate at the site was extremely low, making the source difficult to identify using conventional inspection methods. With its high-sensitivity acoustic imaging capability, the HA3LX was able to quickly visualize the ultrasonic signal generated by the escaping gas and accurately lock onto the leak location.
More importantly, locating the leak was only the first step.
The HA3LX integrates acoustic imaging with TDLAS methane detection, allowing the operator to further confirm the presence of methane and measure its concentration directly in the field.
This combination gives inspectors a much clearer answer:
Where is the leak?
Is it methane?
And how significant is it?
Traditional gas leak surveys may require multiple instruments for localization and gas identification.
HA3 LX combines these capabilities into one portable inspection platform:
In the field footage provided by OSS, the camera successfully identifies a very small methane leak and confirms the methane concentration after the leak position has been located.
A second field video demonstrates the HA3 LX during an active gas release scenario.
While acoustic imaging reveals the physical source of the escaping gas, the integrated methane detection system allows the operator to measure methane concentration directly toward the release plume.
This enables operators to move beyond simply detecting that “a leak exists” and obtain additional information about the methane present at the inspection point.
For LDAR teams, maintenance engineers and gas infrastructure operators, this provides a faster and more intuitive workflow for field inspections.
Acoustic Imaging → Locate the leak
TDLAS Methane Detection → Verify the methane
By combining both technologies in one handheld instrument, HERTZINNO HA3LX helps inspection teams detect smaller leaks, locate them faster and make better-informed decisions directly in the field.
From valves, flanges and pipelines to gas processing facilities and emission points, the HA3LX is designed for demanding methane inspection applications where sensitivity, speed and confidence matter.
Can an acoustic camera detect methane leaks?
An acoustic camera detects the ultrasonic sound generated by pressurized gas escaping through a leak. The HA3 LX additionally integrates TDLAS technology to specifically verify methane.
Can HA3LX detect very small methane leaks?
HA3 LX is designed for high-sensitivity acoustic leak localization and can identify weak leak signals that may be difficult to locate with conventional inspection methods.
Does HA3LX measure methane concentration?
Yes. Its integrated TDLAS methane detection module allows operators to verify methane and measure methane concentration along the laser measurement path.
What is the advantage of combining acoustic imaging and TDLAS?
Acoustic imaging rapidly pinpoints the physical leak location, while TDLAS verifies that the detected gas is methane. This reduces the need to use separate instruments during field inspections.
Where can HA3LX be used?
Typical applications include natural gas facilities, pipelines, valve stations, compressor stations, petrochemical plants, LNG facilities and LDAR inspections.
