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Pipeline Inspection Services
Fugitive Emission Monitoring
Steam Loss Monitoring
Software & Other Services
Pipeline Inspection Services
What is the different between AC and DC?
What is Cathodic Protection?
What is a Transformer Rectifier?
What is the different between ON- and Instant-OFF potential measurements?
What is IR-drop error?
What is isolation flange or insulating joint used for?
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What is the different between AC and DC?
An alternating current (AC) is an electrical current where the magnitude and direction of the current varies cyclically, as opposed to direct current, where the direction of the current stays constant. The usual waveform of an AC power circuit is a sine wave, as this results in the most efficient transmission of energy. However in certain applications different waveforms are used, such as triangular or square waves.
Used generically, AC refers to the form in which electricity is delivered to businesses and residences. However, audio and radio signals carried on electrical wire are also examples of alternating current. In these applications, an important goal is often the recovery of information encoded (or modulated) onto the AC signal.
Direct current (DC or "continuous current") is the continuous flow of electric charge through a conductor such as a wire from high to low potential. In direct current, the electric charges flow always in the same direction, which distinguishes it from alternating current (AC). A term formerly used for direct current was Galvanic current. DC is commonly found in many low-voltage applications, especially where these are powered by batteries, which can produce only DC, or solar power systems, since solar cells can produce only DC. Most automotive applications use DC, although the generator is an AC device which uses a rectifier to produce DC. Most electronic circuits require a DC power supply.
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What is Cathodic Protection?
Cathodic protection (CP) is a technique to control the corrosion of a metal surface by making that surface the cathode of an electrochemical cell.
It is a method used to protect metal structures from corrosion. Cathodic protection systems are most commonly used to protect steel, water, and fuel pipelines and tanks; steel pier piles, ships, and offshore oil platforms.
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What is a Transformer Rectifier?
A transformer is an electrical device that transfers energy from one electrical circuit to another by magnetic coupling but without any moving parts. It is often used to convert between high and low voltages and between low and high impedances.
A rectifier is an electrical device, comprising one or more diodes arranged for converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).
When just one diode is used to rectify AC (by blocking the negative or positive portion of the waveform) the difference between the term diode and the term rectifier is merely one of usage, e.g. the term rectifier describes a diode that is being used to convert AC to DC.
Almost all rectifiers comprise a number of diodes in a specific arrangement for more efficiently converting AC to DC than is possible with just a single diode.
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What is the different between ON- and Instant-OFF potential measurements?
The potential of a pipeline at a given location is commonly referred to as the pipe-to-soil potential. The pipe-to-soil potential can be measured by measuring the voltage between the pipeline and a reference electrode placed in the soil directly over the pipeline. The most common reference electrode used for this purpose is a copper-copper sulphate reference electrode, which is commonly given the acronym CSE. The potential is referred to as an on potential if the measurement is made with the CP system energized. The off or instant off potential estimates the polarized potential when the measurement is made within one second after simultaneously interrupting the current output from all CP current sources and any other current sources affecting that portion of the pipeline.
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What is IR-drop error?
The voltage drop errors, which are often referred to as ohmic potential drop or IR drop errors, occur as a result of the flow of CP or stray current in the electrolyte (soil) or in the structure. They are measurement errors because the cathodic polarization at the structure-to-electrolyte
interface is the only part of the on-potential measurement that contributes to a reduction
in the rate of corrosion of the structure.
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What is isolation flange or insulating joint used for?
The Isolation Flange or Insulating Joint (PIJ) is a high-resistance fitting used to electrically isolate sections of a pipeline to improve the effectiveness of cathodic protection systems and to reduce ground-loop currents.
The proper placement of insulating joints in a pipeline can dramatically reduce the overall stray current activity on the pipeline by making the pipeline less susceptible to stray current pickup and discharge. By installing insulators, the pipeline operator is increasing the overall resistance of the pipe to earth, thereby reducing its tendency to pick up stray currents. This approach may require modifications to the CP system for the pipeline to assure that full protection is maintained on the pipeline after the insulating joints are installed.
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Fugitive Emission Monitoring
Does it not take a long time to measure a whole refinery with portable measurement devices?
What is the disadvantage of the use of FID (flame ionization detectors)?
Can we setup manage our LDAR projects by our own after a training by The Sniffers?
What is the accuracy of the fugitive emission measurements?
Which tools provide The Sniffers to put the client in the possibility to reduce the emissions?
How do you assure qualitative measurements?
Which tools provide The Sniffers to put the client in the possibility to manage the emission data?
Which products are included in the LDAR project?
How can we include our flanges in the pipe rack in the LDAR program?
According to which international standard are the LDAR projects perfomed?
Which support from the client need The Sniffers to perform a complete LDAR project?
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Does it not take a long time to measure a whole refinery with portable measurement devices?
Our experiences learns that we can measure a refinery of 100.000 possible leaking sources with 2 persons in a 0,5 year combined with source inventory. After this half year, detailed information of the leaks is already available.
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What is the disadvantage of the use of FID (flame ionization detectors)?
Portable FID equipments are the best EX devices to perform fugitive emission measurements conform EPA method 21. They respond to a very large range of products with a quick response time. But FID can be influenced negatively by some aggressive products and/or big leaks. This can result in non quality measurements, loss of working hours due to shut down of the equipment and high maintenance costs. Non quality measurements can be solved by performing calibration on regular time periods. Loss of working hours can be solved by foreseen spare FID devices.
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Can we setup manage our LDAR projects by our own after a training by The Sniffers?
This option is included in our turn-key projects that we supply to our clients. But our experience learns that the client benefits more when he chooses for complete outsourcing to The Sniffers and this for the following reasons:
- Full control by Third party
- No training cost and time cost for our client
- No risk for our clients to loose a trained employee over the years
- Full responsibility of the project setup and reporting for The Sniffers nv.
- Yearly follow up by The Sniffers nv
- Credibility to government by Third party control and reporting is much higher
- No high material purchase costs
- No high material maintenance costs
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What is the accuracy of the fugitive emission measurements?
Fugitive emission measurements are momentary measurements. So due to environmental temperature changes, process changes, wind velocity and equipment movement, leaks can change each day in quantity. Therefore it’s important that leaks are followed up as much as possible. The more equipments are measured per year, the better. But to make it economical realistic for our clients, we advice our clients to start with a full measurement campagne the first time. Depending on this results, we can setup together with our clients the strategy for the coming years. We advice to follow up the leaks from the full measurement campagne each year combined with the reamuserement of 25% of the unit. This means that after 4 years, the unit is again measured completely. In the 5th year after the first full measurement round, we advise to perform another full measurement round.
Test have proven that the fugitive emission measurements have a accuracy of 20%.
Accuracy is only possible if each project is prepared in advanced, each stream composition is checked for products and response by FID, the correct response factor is used, the measurements deviced are calibrated correctly and on regular basis.
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Which tools provide The Sniffers to put the client in the possibility to reduce the emissions?
The Sniffers advice to concentrate the reparation on leaks above 10.000 ppm. This value, we call the repair definition
All leaks can be provided with a tag on-site
All leaks above repair definition can be provided on-site with a visual big label
The Sniffers can perform a tightening round: This first repair assistance includes:
Prepare tightening lists
Guidance of Mechanical to each leaking source which needs to be repaired (tightened)
This would mean that one of our employees would guide your Mechanical/TD/operator from leak to leak, so he/she could try to repair the leak online by simple maintenance. This item also includes the re-monitoring of the tightened sources:
- Prepare tightening lists
- Calibration of equipment in advance
- Re-monitoring after repair attempt
- Update of the database
- Use of detection equipment
- Calibration gasses
- Hydrogen for detection equipment
By doing this repair program one could have savings of raw material (product) from 20 up to 90%, which has already been proven by several of our other customers.Following information can be gathered optionally into the database in co-operation with feedback from the mechanical:
- Repair type (Online, shutdown or out of service)
- Repair number
- Repair date
- Repair executor
- Repair cost
- Component Sealing
- Repair action
- Repair code
- Access
- Status
- Memo filed (free text)
This information (gathered data) will be entered into the database if handed-over to our operator; so updated information will be available
Each leak is provided to our client in excel
Each leak can be checked for details in our clients database through SFEMP (Sniffers Fugitive Emission Managing Program)
Each leak is standard indicated on hard copy P&ID
Photo integration in SFEMP. This option will allow you to view a photo of the corresponding source on your PC screen. A photo of each (still leaking > 5.000 ppm f.e. after first-repair-attempt) source will be taken in the site, downloaded to the PC, integrated in the SFEMPx database and linked with the corresponding source. By this, you can you the see type and situation of the source from your desk on the PC without having the need to move to the site.
Each leak can be provided on an extra layer on the autocad version of the P&ID. With this option, we will mark all placed tags (= Leak Equipment Code) on an extra layer of the existing electronic version of the corresponding P&ID. By doing this, you can always print the latest version of the P&ID’s with the corresponding tag numbers on it.
Link Autocad file with software SFEMP. Selecting this option, you will be able to view the requested equipment on the corresponding P&ID on your screen. You can zoom-in, print and look at the process conditions from your desk without the need to go to the site.The Voloview tool (cheep AutoCAD viewer software from third party supplier AutoDesk) needs to be bought by the customer if not available. This option will link all electronically versions of the P&ID’s to the corresponding sources/equipments.
P&ID extract in SFEMP software (repair orders) This option will allow you to view an extract of the electronical version of the P&ID with responding source on your PC screen. By this, you can you the see equipment and situation of the source from your desk on the PC without having the need to move to the site. This extract can also be linked to the repair order of each leak above repair definition. So to everyone to whom the repair order is forwarded, the extract will show the location of the leak on the P&ID. In combination with item “Electronically P&ID integration”, you even can visualize where that source is located on the P&ID and prepare your maintenance work from your desk.
The Sniffers foresee for each project a complete report with detailed information for each separate unit. The 3 sets of reports will consist of listings, tables and graphical overviews. These reports also will allow each unit to perform maintenance and repair on all leaks found. This first repair effort will result in saving raw materials, resulting in a possible impressive cost savings.
Setup and discussion of the management strategy for the coming years in cooperation with our clients.
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How do you assure qualitative measurements?
Quality is only possible if each project is prepared in advanced.
Each stream composition information will be checked for medium specification and response by FID
The correct response factor is used, not only on medium level, also on stream level (mixed streams)
Tthe measurement devices are calibrated correctly according to ISO 9001 procedures
The measurement devices are calibrated each morning before start of the measurements and during the day checked at least one time.
Remeasurement of leaks above 10.000 ppm before the tightening round
Using a dilution probe to assure that the ppm range stays in the lineair area of the measurement device.
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Which tools provide The Sniffers to put the client in the possibility to manage the emission data?
SFEMP software is available to our clients for free in case The Sniffers nv are ordered to perform a LDAR project
- The cost for the use of the SFEMP software in Read-Only version is free of charge.This means that The Sniffers will perform all monitoring and will be responsible for updating the LDAR data.
- The customer will be able to use, look and trigger all relevant reports, graphs and summaries, but no updates can be done. Installation costs are included in the education costs.
- At any time, the customers can buy the full version to take over the responsibility of the SFEMP SW and updating all data.
- When requested by the licensee, we can perform the installation and give a basic training on the use of the SFEMPx database application (handouts included) for each individual user.
- We only need the required privileges (access rights) to perform the installation procedure.
SFEMPx Software maintenance contract
- This maintenance contract consists of free of charge software version upgrades and a bug and error solving service, a yearly user group meeting, where users are able to exchange their experiences with the software and where they are able to provide extensive feedback on the different levels and features of the software.
- Another feature of the maintenance contract is 10 hour free of charge phone-, fax- and E-mail software support provided by the helpdesk within 16 working hours.
- In case it’s not possible to install SFEMP on the client desktop and/or network, The Sniffers nv create an citrix account and password for the client so the client has access to the SFEMP software and database through the internet. In case of questions, The Sniffers can take over remote the clients desktop screen and guide him through the program.
SFEMPx full site licence
- When the customer wants to rollout the application to many users, it is possible by a Corporate Software Licence, which is valid for the whole site location.
- The number of users is unlimited.
- The installation will be done at 1 PC by The Sniffers nv as training so the client is able to perform further installations.
- SFEMP Classroom training Full Licence. This training will take 2 days and is value for 10 users. During this training, all the aspects of SFEMP concerning database setup, project setup, data importing, reports creating, data export, data management will be included in this training. During this training, the SFEMP training manual will be used.
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Which products are included in the LDAR project?
The Sniffers advice to include he following fluids in the scope (conform EPA method 21): All Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) at a vapour pressure of 0,31 Kpa at 20 C° with a published response factor, in fact C1 till C10.On client demands.
The Sniffers nv can include other mediums, if they are detectable by FID and/or PID devices.
The Sniffers also advice to include hydrogen in the scope their Hydrogen is a very flammable product. The Sniffers measure hydrogen with other devices than FID or PID.
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How can we include our flanges in the pipe rack in the LDAR program?
These sources are considered as “Non Accessible”
Sources that are difficult (dangerous) to be reached will not be measured, though they will be inventoried and data will be entered into the SFEMPx application for correct total emission calculation (extrapolation of not accessible sources versus leak-rate of measured sources).
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According to which international standard are the LDAR projects perfomed?
The Sniffers work 100% conform the internation standard EPA method 21
- The United States Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) has played a significant role in quantifying rules and regulations concerning emission losses. From years of experience the E.P.A. has created extensive and reliable databank containing information about all different types of leaks and their size, and the phase in which emission takes place. (fluid or gaseous). All this data finally resulted in the E.P.A. Stratified- and Correlation Emission Factors for Equipment Leaks.
- The E.P.A. Method 21 describes legally acceptable procedures for measurement of volatile organic compound (V.O.C.) leaks from chemical processing equipment. The E.P.A. approach, which uses the Response Factors only as a guide to instrument selection, recognises that the values are inexact, may vary from one instrument to the next, and could possibly be affected by changes in operating parameters.
Our working instruction & procedures and SFEMP software are also adjusted to local regulation like:
- Belgium: Aminal
- Netherlands: NER-Infomil
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Which support from the client need The Sniffers to perform a complete LDAR project?
The support that we need from our clients is very limited
To prepare the LDAR project successfully, we would like to have support from a unit specialist to:
- Discuss the structure (site/unit/section/P&ID’s)
- To define and set-up the stream composition
- Stream composition
- Time on pressure
- Phase (Gas/vapour, Light Liquid, Heavy Liquid)
- Temperature and pressure (is optional)
- To mark gathered stream information on related P&ID’s
- Gather required information (set of P&ID’s, flow schemes, product information sheets, work permit…)
- To update/complete the company profile document per unit
To be able to perform our job optimally the following tools are required:
- A list of all raw materials used (medium) + Safety Material Data sheets.
- 3 sets of A3 P&ID’s.
- 1 set of A3 flow scheme
- List of streams with contents and time on pressure/year.
- Leak- & repair definition per stream
- 1 lockable office for limited administration with electricity for loading our detection equipment.
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Steam Loss Monitoring
Why should the client start with a Steamtrap management campagne there steam is not harmfull?
Can we manage our Steamtrap projects by our own after a training by The Sniffers?
Which tools provide The Sniffers to put the client in the possibility to reduce the steam losses?
How do you assure qualitative measurements?
Which support from the client need The Sniffers to perform a complete steamtrap project?
Why should the client start with a Steamtrap management campagne there steam is not harmfull?
- Economical Reasons
- Costs of energy
- Spill of water
- Faulty steam traps are a major source of waste in steam distribution system
- Loss of live steam results in:
- decreased efficiency
- Lost production
- high operation costs
- experience shows that 15%-25% of traps mounted in installations are defective
- Regular inspections and maintenance can cut trap failure to 5%
- Safety and environmental aspects
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Can we manage our Steamtrap projects by our own after a training by The Sniffers?
This option is included in our turn-key projects that we supply to our clients. But our experience learns that the client benefits more when he chooses for complete outsourcing to The Sniffers and this for the following reasons:
- Full control by Third party
- No training cost and time cost for our client
- No risk for our clients to loose a trained employee over the years
- Yearly follow up by The Sniffers nv
- Credibility to government by Third party control and reporting is much higher
- No high material purchase costs
- No high material maintenance costs
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Which tools provide The Sniffers to put the client in the possibility to reduce the steam losses?
- All leaks can be provided with a tag on-site
- All leaks above repair definition can be provided on-site with a visual big label
- Each leak is provided to our client in excel
- Each leak can be checked for details in our clients database
- Each leak is standard indicated on hard copy P&ID
- Photo integration
- This option will allow you to view a photo of the corresponding source on your PC screen.
- A photo of each leaking source will be taken in the site, downloaded to the PC, integrated in the database and linked with the corresponding source.
- By this, you can you the see type and situation of the source from your desk on the PC without having the need to move to the site.
- Each leak can be provided on an extra layer on the autocad version of the P&ID
- With this option, we will mark all placed tags (= Leak Equipment Code) on an extra layer of the existing electronic version of the corresponding P&ID.
- By doing this, you can always print the latest version of the P&ID’s with the corresponding tag numbers on it.
- This option will allow you to view an extract of the electronical version of the P&ID with responding source on your PC screen.
- By this, you can you the see equipment and situation of the source from your desk on the PC without having the need to move to the site. This extract can also be linked to the repair order of each leak above repair definition. So to everyone to whom the repair order is forwarded, the extract will show the location of the leak on the P&ID.
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How do you assure qualitative measurements?
- Quality is only possible if each project is prepared in advanced
- Steam system analyzing before the start of the measurements
- Combining the ultrasonic measurements with temperature measurements
- Analyzing and measurement in function of type of steamtrap
- Specialist ultrasonic measurement devices
- Specialist operators
- Analyses are not based on personal sound interpretation
- Pressure is steam system is analyzed
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Which support from the client need The Sniffers to perform a complete steamtrap project?
The support that we need from our clients is very limited
Software & Other Services
Wich calculation method does the sniffers use to calculate their emission losses?
Wich possibilities do I have to consult my sfemp and flame databases?
Which CAD services are provided by The Sniffers?
Wich calculation method does the sniffers use to calculate their emission losses?
Our calculated emission losses are based on the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Correlation Method. It is also possible to personalize the emission losses to local Laws like The New Dutch Emission Guidelines (NER) or the Flemish Draft Guidelines (VLAREM).
It is also possible to change the calculation factors to the company’s intern policy. This opens the possibility to make internal ( conform the company’s intern policy) and external (local or European Laws)reports.
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Wich possibilities do I have to consult my sfemp and flame databases?
There are 3 different ways to consult your database:
1. You can gain access your database through the internet via the Citrix Network.
The biggest advantage off this method is that you always work in a up to date database in the newest version of our software. We provide a separate client server where only our remote software users can gain access to there database(s). This client sever is an exact copy of our own server so you always have a day +1 up to date database.
Security and secrecy is no problem at all because every user gets a different username and password. These usernames and passwords are linked to your personal folder with your personal database(s) so that you can only see your database(s) and no one else of the remote software users can see yours.
This option can easily be configured the only step you have to take is opening the necessary firewall portals.
2. You can also gain access to your database by installing our software on your network.One of our Software Specialist will come on-site and make the installation conform to your internal IT standards. In this option it is also possible to define multiple users with different passwords, and different default databases. This means that different users get access to different databases.
3. There is also the possibility to install our software on a stand alone pc or stand alone pc’s. In this case one of our Software specialists will come onsite and make the installation on your stand alone pc(’s).
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Which CAD services are provided by The Sniffers?
We can update your drawings to as build.
We also put our LEC (Leak Equipment Codes ) from the LDAR project on a separate layer so it is easy for the client to find all their leaking sources.
We can do both services in AUTOCAD and in MICROSTATION.
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