Houston, Jan 17: Xplorobot has made a significant leap in methane emissions monitoring with the EPA's approval of its innovative Laser Gas Imager. This handheld device is set to transform how operators detect and manage methane leaks, addressing a critical environmental challenge.
Revolutionizing Methane Detection
Xplorobot, a leader in methane detection technology, has announced an important milestone: the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially approved the Laser Gas Imager as an Alternative Test Method (ATM) for methane inspections. This marks the first approval of a handheld mobile device for this purpose, establishing a new benchmark for efficiency and cost-effectiveness in emissions monitoring.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, over 80 times more effective than carbon dioxide in contributing to short-term climate change, and it accounts for 30% of the recent increase in global temperatures. As regulations tighten globally, operators are faced with the challenge of conducting more frequent and thorough monitoring as part of their Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) programs. Traditional methods, such as infrared cameras, are often expensive and labor-intensive, sometimes failing to detect smaller leaks that can lead to non-compliance.
Xplorobot's Innovative Solution
The Xplorobot Laser Gas Imager presents a cost-effective solution that enables operators to identify and mitigate emissions down to the component level. Utilizing Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) and high-resolution imaging technology, this device can detect emissions as low as 1 gram per hour. Its user-friendly design requires only three hours of training for field workers, seamlessly integrating emissions monitoring into their daily operations.
"This EPA approval signifies a pivotal moment for both Xplorobot and the oil and gas sector," said Oleg Mikhailov, CEO and Co-Founder of Xplorobot. "With our affordable and scalable technology, operators can now achieve global methane reduction targets while also lowering operational costs. Our cloud-based database and automated reporting system further simplify compliance for all operators."
Key Advantages of Xplorobot
Xplorobot combines extensive expertise in AI, data processing, and 3D imaging with a strong background in technology development and energy operations.
The company's unique selling points include:
Cost and Labor Efficiency: The Laser Gas Imager serves as an economical alternative to traditional Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) cameras, significantly cutting hardware and labor costs by removing the need for certified technicians.
Unmatched Precision: With an impressive track record in blind trials (91.4% true positive rate and only 2% false positive rate), Xplorobot's technology surpasses existing alternatives in terms of accuracy and ease of use.
AI-Driven Compliance: The platform automates data analysis and creates visualizations of methane emissions while digitally confirming zero emissions at the component level, ensuring adherence to EPA regulations, EU Methane Regulations, and UNEP's Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP2.0).
Backed by notable investors like Builders Vision, Elemental Impact, and Overview VC, Xplorobot is setting a new standard for emissions reduction and regulatory compliance. So far, the platform has helped 53 operators across 2,429 facilities on four continents to cut emissions and meet regulatory requirements.
With EPA approval secured, Xplorobot is poised to scale up deployments and is actively seeking partnerships with service companies to broaden the reach of the Laser Gas Imager. For those interested in joining the mission to reduce methane emissions, more information is available at [xplorobot.com](http://xplorobot.com).
