The FLIR Si2X series now with ATEX and IECEx certificationFrom cost trap to sustainability opportunity: Why leak detection in potentially explosive atmospheres is becoming increasingly important

Gas and compressed air leaks are a common but costly problem in many industries.

Not only do they lead to production losses and safety risks, they also have a negative impact on energy efficiency and thus on companies’ sustainability goals. With the Si2X series, Teledyne FLIR has already launched a tool that quickly and accurately detects leaks. The latest addition is IECEx certification, which significantly expands the range of applications for this camera series worldwide – in addition to the ATEX approval that has been in place for years.Why certification is crucialExplosive environments

can be found wherever flammable gases, vapours or dusts occur – from chemical and petrochemical plants to refineries to pharmaceutical and food production. In these zones, measuring devices with special approval are mandatory.

IECEx certification opens up access for the FLIR Si2X to more than 35 countries that directly recognise this standard or use it as the basis for their own approvals – including the EU, the USA, Canada, Japan, India and China. This makes the camera a uniform solution for globally active companies that can be used across countries.

Making invisible losses visible

Compressed air is often considered the ‘fourth energy source’ in industry – but studies show that up to 30% of it is lost through leaks. Added to this are costly gas losses, for example of hydrogen, methane or CO₂. This is where the FLIR Si2X comes in:

• It locates leaks from up to 200 metres away, even in noisy and hard-to-reach areas of the plant.
• It quantifies the losses directly on the device – including an estimate of the annual costs.
• It thus not only provides a technical diagnosis, but also an economic basis for decision-making for the maintenance team.

Against the backdrop of energy efficiency programmes, rising energy costs and ESG reporting requirements, the rapid and precise localisation of leaks is becoming a key competitive factor.

Technology meets user-friendliness

The Si2X is more than just a detection tool – it is a platform for efficient maintenance:

• Visual documentation: With a 12 MP camera, digital zoom and LED lighting, it provides detailed contextual images for planning repairs.
• Flexibility in analysis: Customisable bandpass filters allow you to filter out interfering ultrasonic frequencies and isolate even the smallest leaks.
• Data integration: Transfers to FLIR Thermal Studio or Acoustic Viewer create seamless integration into existing asset management and reporting processes.

Despite this technological depth, it remains easy to use: lightweight, compact, with a touchscreen and intuitive interface – also suitable for large plants and mobile applications.

Two versions for different fields of application

• Si2X-LD: specialised in the detection of compressed air and mechanical leaks.
• Si2X-Pro: expanded to include the ability to detect partial discharges, particularly interesting for energy suppliers and operators of electrical infrastructure.

With dual certification according to ATEX and IECEx, the FLIR Si2X is positioned as a universally applicable leak detection system for safety-critical industries. It bridges the gap between safety requirements, energy efficiency and the growing demands of sustainability and ESG reporting.

Or as Darrell Taylor of FLIR sums it up: ‘The Si2X not only makes energy losses visible, but also quantifiable – enabling companies to balance safety, efficiency and sustainability.’More information: www.flir.com/Si2x-Pro