HEALTH & SAFETY
the risk of the drains’ caissons becoming overwhelmed with the water volume, resulting in the likelihood of oil fractions being carried into the water outlet, causing water sheening downstream of the asset during testing. Tis has an obvious impact on the environment and marine-life. Wet-testing cannot be completely eliminated, but the impact versus the benefit must be fully considered. Dousing the topsides plant with seawater is not desirable as this exasperates corrosion and plant failure. In response, Blaze has developed test regimes ranging from smoke testing, dry testing of equipment, borescope inspection and wall thickness verification. Tis is offered as part of a maintenance programme that also includes pipe cleaning by environmentally friendly chemicals or high-pressure waterspray and that will reduce the need to undertake frequent wet-testing. Vapo-Flo is a non-toxic smoke generating system that uses an oil-based vapour instead of water to test the effectiveness of deluge systems. It works by blowing smoke through the pipework via the deluge valve test line. Blockages can be visually detected by a reduction in smoke exiting the nozzles, allowing for further investigation and remedial work. Tis can be carried out using a boroscope to check for blockages or poor pipe condition. It is also possible to carry this out without shutting down or interrupting ongoing work in the area, reducing the possible loss of valuable production hours.
Offshore deluge systems are tested by passing seawater through them
Vapo-Flo uses an oil-based vapour to test the efficiency of deluge systems
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www.engineerlive.com
DATA-BASED APPROACH Many fire protection systems and performance standards contain requirements for periodic inspection, testing and maintenance (ITM). Tese are generally based upon historical requirements and not on any field data or on observed deficiencies. Te National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has developed new documents, such as NFPA 4 on Integrated Testing of Fire Protection Systems, recognising the need for a more data-based approach to ITM frequencies. Accepted by verification bodies,
Blaze uses this approach for delivering and optimising inspection, testing and maintenance routines, reducing the impact on plant and sub-systems. Te company continues to develop
and improve its solutions to ensure that it is not only meeting safety standards but surpassing them. l
Howard Johnson is Managing Director of Blaze Manufacturing Solutions.
www.blazeman.co.uk
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