SF6 – A New Perspective on an Old Problem

Ever since pipelines were installed, the need to test their integrity by means of a pressure testing has presented the fabricator with a problem.

“what do you do when it fails?”

Do you adopt the following non-routine procedure or something like it?

For obvious reasons the last thing you want to do is admit there is a problem! So repeat the test in the hope that if you do it again, it will turn into a faulty test and not a failed one. Repeat several times and if this is not successful, change the gauge. If this doesn’t work, blame the “subee” and start digging in all those awkward places. Then if this fails to find the problem, start cutting the system into halves until you stumble upon the root of the problem. And before you know it the site resembles the “Somme” with the delays and costs starting to spiral.

A Simple Solution

For almost 30 years, there has been a simple solution to the problem of tracing air leaks. Tiny amounts of Sulphur Hexafluoride are introduced with the compressed air and then, using a very sensitive detector the area can be surveyed within minutes. With the leak pin pointed, one excavation can be made to solve the problem.

Cost savings

Often up to 2 miles of pipeline can be surveyed in one day with the cost equal to one excavation.

If you would like further information on this subject or assistance, follow the contact link or call us on our local rate number 0845 6039053.