Leak detection

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Utilities Middle East reviews some of the latest leak detection products for both the gas and water markets that are now available to local HSE executives

For Middle Eastern utilities, the issue of leak detection – whether it be water or gas – is a potential revenue loser in what is currently a particularly tough operating environment. In the gas sector, however, leakage can result in damage to both infrastructure and staff. Fast, reliable detection systems are therefore a crucial weapon in any HSE manager’s armoury.

In general terms, gas detection instruments are either portable or fixed installation and as life-safety critical detectors, both varieties need to be independently certified to meet international performance and safety standards, with robustness and reliability for portable items especially a key asset.

On the safety side, another major hazard is reduced oxygen concentrations, particularly in confined spaces.

“Generally, gas detector instruments aim to detect flammable gases, toxic gases and lack of oxygen,” says Alaa Ayoub, regional manager at RAE Systems, which manufactures a range of chemical, gas and radiation detection equipment to a number of sectors. The firm introduced a new series of toxic gas monitoring systems in August, and is spearheading the use of seamless wireless connectivity in gas detection.

RAE Systems’ Meshguard is a range of battery-powered toxic gas detectors that link wirelessly through a mesh radio modem. This allows a constant connection by interlinking all relevant units, and in the future will also allow devices such as Blackberrys to be connected, meaning that users will have an email sent to their phones should an alarm go off.

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One of the other options that regional companies can pursue is that of infrared cameras, which help to spot leaks, damaged pipes and seals, or faulty valves. “Infra-red imaging now allows workers to ‘see’ volatile organic compounds that are invisible to the human eye,” says John Warburton, a strategic marketing manager at UK-based City Technology. “Infra-red sensors are becoming popular as an alternative to pellistors for detecting hydrocarbons, but they do suffer some limitations. In particular, they measure the concentration of a hydrocarbon, rather than measure flammability.”

In May, City Technology released upgraded versions of its two most popular gas sensors, which the company says is the result of multi-million-dollar investment, and builds on the previous success of the 4CF and 4HS models, which have a return rate from the field of 0.006%.

A key requirement for any gas detection instrument includes the ability to operate within acceptable tolerances over wide variations in temperature and humidity. This is especially relevant for the Middle East, given the swing in variation that could occur for a plant located near the coast, for example.

“Accuracy, stability, response speed and repeatability are also basic requirements,” adds Warburton.

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