During the oil refinement process in the petrochemical industry, vessels and pipelines usually need to withstand higher temperatures. The valves and flanges in this industry are more susceptible to aging and degeneration. Thermal imaging technology can help inspect the thermal condition of valves and flanges, which is reflected in their mechanical condition due to the presence of heated gases.
Customer’s Challenge
The petrochemical industry is downstream of the oil and gas industry, but their vessels and pipelines usually need to withstand higher temperatures because of the oil refinement process. Therefore, the valves and flanges in this industry are more susceptible to aging and degeneration, which is problematic because petrochemical products are usually more volatile and dangerous.
The maintenance for these components is tricky because most of the gas transmitted through the pipes is both odorless and colorless, and close-up inspections on individual components are too inefficient.
The Solution
Thermal imaging technology can efficiently and effectively inspect the thermal condition of valves and flanges, which is reflected in their mechanical condition due to the presence of heated gases. Also, Fotric 348A advanced autofocus handheld thermal cameras can accurately pick up thermal anomalies from a safe distance with a resolution as high as 640x480 and an optional telephoto lens.
The Result
Equipped with Fotric handheld thermal cameras, petrochemical industry users can safely and easily detect loose flanges, faulty valves, and missing insulations in pipelines.
In addition, its analytical power allows them to make iterative improvements on design and components selection to improve the overall integrity of pipelines.
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