External leak detection systems based on Vapor Sensing Tube (VST) – How early-stage leak detection can avoid severe pipeline accidents
The entire chemicals, oil & gas world is facing aging pipeline assets, thus constantly increasing the risk of hydrocarbon and toxic spills due to pipeline accidents. Root-cause analyses of numerous events have proven that the first line of defense in the event of a leak is early detection and operational response to limit product loss from the pipe. This fact calls for early detection of all kinds of hydrocarbon and toxic chemical pollution from pipelines, particularly in view of potential environmental damage, cleanup costs, and the loss of public confidence in industry’s safety standards.
Of course, computational pipeline flow modeling coupled with multiple pressure sensors are state-of-the-art tools and indispensable for fast response to severe abrupt pipe defects. However, they will always remain inadequate in sensitivity and, hence, fail in providing reliable information about the pre-history of such a leak. The most efficient way to close this safety gap is the application of supplementary leak detection technologies.
AREVA is a key player in the nuclear and renewable energy industry sector with a strong focus on safety, reliability and maintenance. On this basis we offer our external leak detection technology "LEOS®" using a so-called "vapor-sensing tube" (VST) for extremely sensitive detection of all kinds of components escaping from buried or even above-ground pipelines and tanks. Most recent installations as well as industrial test programmes have confirmed the capability of this industrial-proven technology to detect and pinpoint total spill volumes of only few liters.
The webinar will explain the key aspects of the VST technology and provide examples for promising applications. It will also discuss the limitations and benefits of VST systems, in particular in comparison to competitive and alternative technologies.
Join us to discuss how the VST technology can become a valuable supplement to your portfolio of pipeline safety systems and even justify reduction of insurance rates in future.
Presented by
Dr. Walter Knoblach,
Product Manager and Senior Advisor for Leak Detection Systems
Walter Knoblach joined AREVA in 2001 and is currently the product manager for AREVA’s leak detection systems both for the oil&gas industry and for nuclear power plants. He is responsible for all R&D activities as well as technical sales support and project management, but also supports system owners as a consultant in case of leak indications.
Before joining AREVA, he worked for SIEMENS AG / Power Generation division in Germany as R&D engineer for development of leak detection systems based on vapor diffusion and ultrasound.
He graduated in Germany in 1991 with a Ph.D. (Dr.-Ing.) in Electrical Engineering / ultrasound & radio frequencies. Meanwhile, he has gained 25 years of expertise in design and applications of monitoring systems for leak detection and loose parts monitoring both on pipelines and in nuclear power plants worldwide.
Philipp Miesen,
Business Development Manager Asset & Lifetime Management Services & Tools
Philipp Miesen joined AREVA in 2008 as Design Engineer for Electrical and I&C Equipment Qualification according to nuclear regulations.
From 2010 to 2013 he was Project Manager and Technical Responsible for Equipment & Self-Standing-Systems Qualification for a Nuclear Power Plant Project.
In 2013, he was appointed Business Development Manager for Asset and Lifetime Management Services and Tools.
He has a university degree in Mechanical Engineering (2007) from Universidad Técnica de Manabà – Ecuador.
