Integrity of Gas Facilities: Practical Experience in Using the new Tool GasCam® for Tightness Checks

Referring to German legislation for the surveillance of natural gas plants repetitive tightness checks of the systems have to be performed. Occasionally these checks reveal small releases from minimal leaks on above ground piping components like detachable connections, shaft seals of valves, flanges or other similarly gas-loaded parts. Currently, manually operated aspirating probes in conjunction with FID or semiconductor sensors are employed to trace these minor gas releases. The inspection of facilities with this technique is time-consuming due to the frequently complex piping configurations. The detection of a leak also depends on the experience of the operator. Moreover, locations of potential leaks may be in inaccessible areas. Thus, the remote detection of gas leaks across long distances is very profitable. The innovative GasCam® allows real-time visualisation of leaks from distances between 2 m and at least 100 m. It visualises gas plumes and contributes to a fast and economic identification of unknown gas escapes. At E.ON Ruhrgas the GasCam® is about to become a vital tool in regular tightness check procedures.