We believe that with improved data, engineers can make better and more informed decisions. Effective monitoring of gas/liquid separators can improve safety and profitability of an asset.

If process failures are not quickly detected, contaminants such as liquids, solids and hydrates can enter the export line leading to compensation claims or even closure of a tie-back, causing downtime for all assets linked to the tie-back. Significant remediation costs can be incurred.

Costs are also incurred in upstream processes, for example when liquid enters compressors, solid scrubbers and molecular sieve dryers.

Now, after a four-year development program, a safe, innovative, retro-fit system to quickly report and determine contamination of “dry” gas systems is undergoing certification prior to first field trials. LineVu provides a continuous live video stream of pipeline activity and alarms upon a process failure, with analysis systems that can determine the extent and identity of the contamination. When engineers are able to see the extent and impact of the problem, immediate action can be taken and a better diagnosis is possible. Process data is overlaid on the video so that events can be replayed with all the relevant data on screen.

With zero intrusion into the pipe diameter, the optical system is recessed from the pipeline to avoid contamination of the optics, and there is a secondary containment system to enable long term, safe, monitoring.

BP have shown interest and National Grid wish to install systems on the NTS, but, as yet, LineVu lacks field validation data, and we are seeking a joint industry project to install a number of devices to deliver real time imaging to both local and remote operators, using cloud connection. The study aim would be to prove that decision making would be easier with a more detailed knowledge of the process failure or the contamination event.