Instrumentation • Computing • Control
Cutting the costs of safety with wireless leak detection
Powerful, robust wireless leak detection solutions are bringing new levels of safety and functionality to the oil and gas industries. Sean Ottewell reports.
Sean Ottewel informa que las soluciones de detección de fugas inalámbricas robustas y poderosas están trayendo nuevos niveles de seguridad y funcionalidad a las industrias de petróleo y gas.
Leistungsstarke, robuste drahtlose Lösungen zur Leckerkennung bringen ein neues Niveau der Sicherheit und Funktionalität in die Öl- und Gasindustrie. Sean Ottewell berichtet.
B
P is using Smart Wireless technology from Emerson Process Management as part of a leak detection system that helps enhance safety at its
production centre in Geel, Belgium. Te wireless solution provides
a reliable, affordable way to gather information from hydrocarbon sensors that continuously monitor storage tanks, valves and pipelines throughout the plant, and deliver that data to the control system so operators can be notified of any leaks. Tis automated monitoring system has enabled BP to meet the latest government regulations for storage and handling of flammable liquids – and at much lower cost than with traditional wired technology. Leak detection on large sites can be both difficult and expensive. BP operators were making twice-daily inspection rounds using portable leak detectors, but new and stricter government regulations required continuous monitoring. A traditional online monitoring solution would require extensive cabling, together with the associated I/O, signal converters and installation costs. Te wireless system installed at Geel solved these problems by integrating sensors that detect liquid hydrocarbons with Emerson’s Smart Wireless technology to enable cost-effective liquid hydrocarbon leak detection even from remote locations at the site. Te wireless technology eliminated the need for new instrumentation cabling and associated trenches and ducting, saving an estimated 50% of the cost and 90% of the time required to install a conventional wired system (Fig. 1). Te TraceTek Sensor cables
Fig. 1. Emerson’s Smart Wireless technology eliminated the need for new instrumentation cabling and associated trenches and ducting.
are attached to the concrete base surrounding tanks so that leaks from the tank wall can be detected.
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Tey are also laid underneath connecting piping and draped around the tank flanges and manholes. Fast Fuel Sensors have been installed to detect hydrocarbons in sump wells and pump skids. Meanwhile, three companies within the IST fold have also been advancing detection technologies. First up is Oldham, which has announced that its BM 25 multi-gas monitoring system is now available in a wireless version, offering greater flexibility for a wider range of applications. Te BM 25 detects up to five gases simultaneously and can include up to 30 devices in a standard network. Using a mesh network topology, the BM 25 Wireless connects peer-to-peer, allowing each device in a network to receive, send and relay data. Should a device fail or an obstruction occur, communication automatically re- routes allowing the network to remain in
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