BP Chemicals Enhances Site Safety With FLIR Infrared Technology
FLIR Advanced Thermal Solutions has announced an application story that describes how BP Chemicals is using its GasFindIR cameras for the visualisation and documentation of gas leaks.
In the production of acetic acid BP Chemicals is world renowned and responsible for a significant proportion of world capacity. Acetic acid is a highly versatile substance. It is produced by the combination of carbon monoxide and methanol in the presence of a catalyst. Every year the company invests many millions of pounds in improving production efficiency, minimising environment impact and protecting the workforce. And it is largely with personnel safety in mind that BP Chemicals took a fresh look at how FLIR thermal imaging technology could help minimise leaks.
Effective leak detection is of course a priority at BP Chemicals and one of a number of procedures for ensuring safe operation. This application note describes the experiences of technologists at BP Chemicals flagship manufacturing and process research site at Saltend, UK.
Three FLIR GasFindIR cameras were employed to check plant integrity at the Saltend site. Designed for outdoor use the FLIR GasfindIR HSX camera was used to detect a range of gases including methane and methanol that are both predominant at the UK plant. In addition, a long wave (LW) version of the camera was used for detecting acetic acid, acetic anhydride and ammonia, three of the total of eight products processed at Saltend. Completing the set was a FLIR GasFindIR model specifically designed to detect carbon monoxide (CO) - a colourless, odourless but highly poisonous gas.
Although some process areas of BP Chemicals at Saltend are nearly 30 years old the site is exceptionally well maintained and this was born out by the relatively few emissions detected during the IR survey. Nevertheless all three cameras acquitted themselves well by pinpointing several gas leaks.
Pioneers in all aspects of infrared technology, FLIR designs, manufactures, and supports thermal imaging systems and subsystems for industrial, scientific, governmental, commercial, and firefighting applications. With a 40-year history of infrared innovation, over 100,000 systems in use worldwide, and development centres and sales offices in over 60 countries, FLIR is the world leader in thermal imaging technology.
SOURCE: FLIR Advanced Thermal Solutions