Question 1

Is ThermaSentinel compliant with EPA Appendix K?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ThermaSentinel supports Appendix K OGI survey protocols including required survey frequencies, equipment specifications, and documentation requirements. The system generates Appendix K-compliant survey reports with timestamped imagery, GPS coordinates, and component identification for regulatory submission.

Question 2

What is the minimum detectable leak rate?

Accepted Answer

Minimum detectable leak rate depends on OGI camera specifications and environmental conditions. With FLIR GF-series cameras under optimal conditions (low wind, good thermal contrast), ThermaSentinel can detect leaks as small as 0.4-2.0 g/hr for methane. Actual detection limits vary by compound, distance, and atmospheric conditions. We validate specific thresholds during PoC.

Question 3

Can ThermaSentinel quantify emission rates?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when integrated with FLIR QL320 or QL520 quantification devices, ThermaSentinel captures and logs mass flow rate estimates (g/hr, kg/day) directly from the quantification hardware. These measurements are included in compliance reports and work order documentation.

Question 4

What flare monitoring capabilities are included?

Accepted Answer

ThermaSentinel provides 24/7 pilot flame monitoring with immediate flame-out alerts, visible emissions (smoke) detection per EPA Method 22 protocols, flame characterization, and un-lit flare duration logging for GHG reporting. For combustion efficiency calculations, the system integrates with flare gas analyzers and flow meters.

Question 5

How is alert severity determined?

Accepted Answer

Severity scoring considers multiple factors: estimated emission magnitude, component type and failure mode, proximity to personnel areas or public boundaries, regulatory classification (major vs. minor source), repair complexity, and historical component performance. Alerts are classified as Monitor, Priority, or Critical with corresponding response time recommendations.

Question 6

Does ThermaSentinel support continuous monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ThermaSentinel supports both periodic OGI surveys and continuous monitoring configurations. For continuous monitoring, we integrate with fixed OGI cameras like FLIR G620a or the FLIR ADGiLE autonomous system, providing 24/7 surveillance with real-time alerting and trend analysis.

Question 7

What regulatory reports can be auto-generated?

Accepted Answer

ThermaSentinel generates OGI survey reports (Appendix K format), LDAR component lists with repair tracking, emission event logs with timestamps and GPS, flare monitoring summaries, Subpart W GHG reporting data, and annual compliance summaries. Reports are exportable in PDF, CSV, and XML formats for regulatory submission.

Question 8

Can ThermaSentinel be used for EPA OOOOb compliance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ThermaSentinel supports NSPS OOOOb compliance requirements including both periodic OGI survey protocols and continuous monitoring pathways. The system tracks survey frequencies, documents repair timelines, and generates the required compliance records for well sites, compressor stations, and processing plants.

Question 9

What is the false positive rate?

Accepted Answer

AI-powered alert tuning achieves less than 5% false positive rate after initial calibration, compared to 15-25% for untuned OGI review workflows. False positive reduction is achieved through multi-frame analysis, thermal signature validation, and site-specific threshold optimization during deployment.

Question 10

How does ThermaSentinel integrate with SCADA?

Accepted Answer

ThermaSentinel supports OPC UA and OPC DA connectivity for real-time data integration with SCADA and process control systems. This enables correlation of leak alerts with process conditions, automated alert escalation based on operating state, and inclusion of process context in compliance documentation.

Question 11

Is data auditable for regulatory submissions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all data is timestamped with cryptographic integrity verification and full audit trail. The system maintains chain-of-custody documentation, user action logs, and immutable event records required for EPA regulatory submissions and enforcement defense. Data retention is configurable from 7-10+ years per regulatory requirements.

Question 12

What training is required for operators?

Accepted Answer

ThermaSentinel provides operator training aligned with Appendix K requirements including OGI camera operation basics, survey protocol execution, alert triage workflows, and regulatory reporting procedures. Training is typically 2-4 hours for operators, with additional administrator training for system configuration and compliance management.

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