Data Collection & Testing
Pressure transducers can be installed under pressure using 'hot tapping' techniques to provide a branch connection to a live pipe. This allows a pipe to be in constant operation where a shutdown would not be practical. Live pressure-tapping points can be installed on iron, steel and plastic pipes having external diameters ranging from 80mm to 600mm and carrying fluids at pressures of up to 16 barg.
The pressure and flow data can be recorded and stored for retrieval either via continuous data stream to a centralised source or via the download from an instruments logging facilities. The latter avoids the need for cabling or telemetry. The availablity of in built logger timers can also allow an engineer to return to site to retrieve the recorded data and so removes the need for a continual onsite presence.
Experienced engineers can than test and analyse the following:
- Pump Performance (compare with manufactures curves)
- Pipeline Performance Characteristics (accurately size new equipment)
- Pipeline Condition (determine a pipelines internal roughness conditions)
- Pipeline Blockages (pinpoint blockages and throughput problems)
- Rapid Surge Pressure Events (analyse events creating excessive surges)
- Flow trends - monitor demand and supply