From hearing to seeing – how ultrasound cameras streamline gas leak detection on TotalEnergies FPSOs

TotalEnergies’ FPSOs Success Story

From hearing to seeing – how ultrasound cameras streamline gas leak detection on TotalEnergies’ FPSOs

Highlights:

   TotalEnergies’ floating production, storage, and offloading installations (FPSOs) need fast, safe, and reliable leak detection solutions to keep installations running.

   Traditional techniques such as Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) deliver good results in specific circumstances but fall short of requirements for ease of use, speed, and versatility.

   Based on Acoustic Leak Imaging (ALI), Distran’s Ultrasound Cameras detect leaks of any gas type.

TotalEnergies FPSO Egina Methane Leak

TotalEnergies’ FPSOs Success Story

From hearing to seeing – how ultrasound cameras streamline leak detection on TotalEnergies’ FPSOs

TotalEnergies FPSO Egina Methane Leak

Highlights:

   TotalEnergies’ floating production, storage, and offloading installations (FPSOs) need fast, safe, and reliable leak detection solutions to keep installations running.

   Traditional techniques such as Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) deliver good results in specific circumstances but fall short of requirements for ease of use, speed, and versatility.

   Based on Acoustic Leak Imaging (ALI), Distran’s Ultrasound Cameras detect leaks of any gas type.

FPSOs comprise vast, complex piping networks within tight spaces. Surrounded by salt water and exposed to challenging corrosive conditions, leaks are a significant concern for FPSOs. They contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, may compromise the safety of workers and assets, and waste valuable resources.

TotalEnergies counts on a combination of different leak detection methods, such as Distran innovative solutions and OGI cameras, to counteract leaks’ adverse consequences.

FPSOs comprise vast, complex piping networks within tight spaces. Surrounded by salt water and exposed to challenging corrosive conditions, leaks are a significant concern for FPSOs. They contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, may compromise the safety of workers and assets, and waste valuable resources.

TotalEnergies counts on a combination of different leak detection methods, such as Distran innovative solutions and OGI cameras, to counteract leaks’ adverse consequences.

How do they find leaks?

Soap spray method
Sniffer device
Infrared cameras device
Soap spray

Tedious process to inspect all fittings.

Sniffers

Demand contact with the gas to detect its presence.

Infrared cameras

Require an experienced operator.

The presence of various gases on FPSOs, such as hydrocarbons, hydrogen, nitrogen, CO2, Inergen, and compressed air, poses significant risks. Some gases are directly dangerous, while some are used for critical processes such as fire protection to ensure smooth production. Therefore, any air compressor failure can lead to complete shutdowns. These failures are often caused by running above design specifications due to leaks in the distribution network.

The potential risks of not having an efficient leak detection solution are high, making it a matter of utmost importance.

 

TotalEnergies operates some of the largest FPSOs in the world.

How do they find leaks?

Soap spray method
Soap spray

Tedious process to inspect all fittings.

Sniffer device
Sniffers

Demand contact with the gas to detect its presence.

Infrared cameras device
Infrared cameras

Require an experienced operator.

The presence of various gases on FPSOs, such as hydrocarbons, hydrogen, nitrogen, CO2, Inergen, and compressed air, poses significant risks. Some gases are directly dangerous, while some are used for critical processes such as fire protection to ensure smooth production. Therefore, any air compressor failure can lead to complete shutdowns. These failures are often caused by running above design specifications due to leaks in the distribution network.

The potential risks of not having an efficient leak detection solution are high, making it a matter of utmost importance.

TotalEnergies operates some of the largest FPSOs in the world.

To safeguard plant reliability, the company needs a leak detection solution that meets various requirements:

Quick instructions
EASE OF USE

Anybody should be able
to conduct leak detection.

speed
SPEED

Staff must be ready
to spot leaks quickly and react swiftly.

versatility detect all type of gases
VERSATILITY

The chosen technique
must detect leaks of any gas type.

Ultrasound vs Infrared: The right tool for the job

For years, Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) cameras have been the main solution for leak detection on FPSOs. The special infrared cameras are very sensitive and reliably detect leaks of certain gases.

Nevertheless, OGI cameras are limited to detecting certain gases and require expertise. For instance, this technology cannot detect nitrogen, compressed air, or Inergen – all commonly found on FPSOs.

In contrast, the Distran Acoustic Leak Imaging (ALI) camera stands out for its ease of use. It requires only a short presentation and training to be operated by any shift member, making it a user-friendly and efficient solution for detecting leaks of any gas type.

Ultrasound vs Infrared: The right tool for the job

For years, Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) cameras have been the main solution for leak detection on FPSOs. The special infrared cameras are very sensitive and reliably detect leaks of certain gases.

Nevertheless, OGI cameras are limited to detecting certain gases and require expertise. For instance, this technology cannot detect nitrogen, compressed air, or Inergen – all commonly found on FPSOs.

In contrast, the Distran Acoustic Leak Imaging (ALI) camera stands out for its ease of use. It requires only a short presentation and training to be operated by any shift member, making it a user-friendly and efficient solution for detecting leaks of any gas type.

Acoustic Leak Imaging (ALI) on TotalEnergies’ FPSOs

Complementing OGI cameras on TotalEnergies installations, ultrasound cameras based on Acoustic Leak Imaging (ALI) take advantage of the fact that even small leaks generate ultrasounds. Furthermore, Distran Ultra Pro enables the detection of leaks in new ways:

  • This technology is user-friendly, requiring no expert knowledge, and can detect leaks of any gas type, even in high background noise levels.
  • They can also detect leaks from a safe distance of several dozens of meters and in potentially explosive areas due to their ATEX/IECEx certifications.

By using the Ultra Pro X, inspectors can cover more ground at once and detect leaks faster in hard-to-reach areas without scaffolding. The real-time leak rate quantification of the Ultra Pro X enables leak classification regarding risk, costs, and emissions, making the inspection process more efficient. As easy to use as the ultrasound camera, the integrated reporting tool registers all relevant leak-related pictures and videos, further enhancing productivity.

Such devices allow monitoring the integrity of assets over time, ensuring the longevity of new installations while prolonging the safe lifetime of old ones.

TE FPSO Egina Air Leak Monitoring

Image: Air leak monitoring by night,
at TotalEnergies FPSO.

Acoustic Leak Imaging (ALI) on TotalEnergies’ FPSOs

TE FPSO Egina Air Leak Monitoring

Image: Air leak monitoring by night,
at TotalEnergies FPSO.

Complementing OGI cameras on TotalEnergies installations, ultrasound cameras based on Acoustic Leak Imaging (ALI) take advantage of the fact that even small leaks generate ultrasounds. Furthermore, Distran Ultra Pro enables the detection of leaks in new ways:

  • This technology is user-friendly, requiring no expert knowledge, and can detect leaks of any gas type, even in high background noise levels.
  • They can also detect leaks from a safe distance of several dozens of meters and in potentially explosive areas due to their ATEX/IECEx certifications.

By using the Ultra Pro X, inspectors can cover more ground at once and detect leaks faster in hard-to-reach areas without scaffolding. The real-time leak rate quantification of the Ultra Pro X enables leak classification regarding risk, costs, and emissions, making the inspection process more efficient. As easy to use as the ultrasound camera, the integrated reporting tool registers all relevant leak-related pictures and videos, further enhancing productivity.

Such devices allow monitoring the integrity of assets over time, ensuring the longevity of new installations while prolonging the safe lifetime of old ones.

Early leak detection for more effective corrective maintenance

Sensor front and back with Atex

By detecting leaks at an early stage, the Distran Ultra Pro X acts as a predictive maintenance tool on TotalEnergies’ FPSOs in many ways:

  • Ultra Pro X’s ease of use enables staff to inspect more assets more often, increasing the scope of monthly inspections.
  • There is a regular survey of critical areas.
  • The failure rate of main air compressors has decreased, i.e., they run for three years instead of three months.
  • Real-time leak rate quantification enables new management reporting, allowing for gas leak classification and prioritization of maintenance operations.

The Ultra Pro X is commonly used during daily rounds, commissioning, and restart phases on TotalEnergies’ FPSOs. Instead of dealing with the consequences of undetected leaks, the company can focus on finding leaks faster and prolonging the lifetime of critical assets.

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