Leak detection is crucial for the Arkema Mont operations team
for several reasons:

Prompt leak detection helps prevent hazardous chemical spills, which can pose severe risks to worker safety and public health. It is crucial, given Arkema’s handling of potentially dangerous chemicals and materials.

Preventing leaks helps minimize the release of harmful substances into the environment, aligning with Arkema’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its ecological footprint.

Stringent regulations govern the handling and storage of chemicals. Effective leak detection ensures compliance with these regulations, helping Arkema avoid penalties.

Identifying and addressing leaks early can prevent costly damage to equipment, reduce waste of valuable raw materials, and avoid more extensive (and expensive) interventions.

Leaks interfere with the integrity of production processes. Proactive leak inspections are necessary to ensure seamless operations without unexpected interruptions.

Proactively managing leaks and their potential impacts helps Arkema demonstrate its commitment to being a responsible and reliable chemical company.

Hydrogen leaks

The Mont operations team used to spend up to five days searching a carbon nanotube reactor for hydrogen leaks. Using the Distran camera, the team spends just a few hours comprehensively covering the same area.

Vacuum leaks

Arkema’s vacuum installations are prone to air ingress, and detecting vacuum leaks was quite cumbersome and complex. Using the Distran acoustic camera, the operations team quickly detects vacuum leaks.

Steam leaks

Favard’s team has a preventive system to quantify steam leaks, which enables them to schedule repairs in order of importance. It’s a highly efficient and reliable process using the Distran device to check for changes in leaks each time an operator performs an inspection round.