By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : September 05, 2025 4:29 pm
The SLB Methane LiDAR Camera is an autonomous detection system with advanced component-level spatial resolution
Global energy technology leader SLB announced that its Methane LiDAR Camera has received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an Alternative Test Method (ATM) for methane detection under the OOOO family of regulations, aimed at preventing fugitive methane emissions.
The SLB Methane LiDAR Camera is an autonomous detection system with advanced component-level spatial resolution, enabling operators to pinpoint methane leaks with unmatched accuracy. Unlike traditional methods, it can distinguish between fugitive leaks and permitted emissions without requiring secondary measurements. With EPA approval, oil and gas operators can now deploy the Methane LiDAR Camera as a standalone solution, eliminating labor-intensive Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) surveys.
“Advanced technology solutions are critical in addressing methane emissions—a potent greenhouse gas with a near-term warming impact up to 80 times that of CO₂,” said Ravi Peddibhotla, Emissions Business Manager at SLB. “The Methane LiDAR Camera’s precise spatial resolution allows operators to identify the exact sources of emissions, avoiding false alarms from permitted vents, enhancing compliance, and enabling faster mitigation of fugitive emissions.”
The camera is approved for use at all leak resolution thresholds and performs effectively in diverse conditions, including daytime, nighttime, and in the presence of other gases. Unlike traditional OGI cameras, it is unaffected by temperature differences between gas and the surrounding environment—a critical factor for accurate detection. Its built-in laser imaging technology visualizes and quantifies emission rates, duration, location, persistence, and timing. Operators can monitor measurements and images remotely via SLB’s digital platform, streamlining Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) management and reporting.
To date, over 100 Methane LiDAR Cameras have been deployed across four continents, demonstrating SLB’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for a cleaner, more sustainable energy industry.