Industrial Leak Detection Evolves with Advanced Sensor Technology

As environmental concerns and regulatory pressures mount, the industrial sector faces increasing demands for more effective leak detection systems. Naftosense addresses these challenges with an innovative approach to pipeline, tank, and plant monitoring that maintains asset loss under one percent.

The energy industry confronts a complex landscape of challenges, from shifting public sentiment toward alternative power sources to heightened scrutiny of carbon emissions. Recent high-profile leak incidents have intensified regulatory oversight, while staffing pressures and aging infrastructure create additional operational hurdles. These factors drive the need for more sophisticated monitoring solutions.

Naftosense's comprehensive detection system employs multiple installation methods tailored to specific monitoring requirements. Their micro-drilling technique strategically positions sensors to monitor buried assets, accounting for water table variations. For exposed equipment, their "wrapping" method deploys specialized cables around high-risk components such as flanges, filters, and valves. Ground-based monitoring provides continuous surveillance of tanks and containment areas through linear installations. For critical infrastructure passages, such as road and river crossings, Naftosense utilizes Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) techniques to ensure comprehensive monitoring coverage.

At the core of their technology lies the Polymer Absorption Sensor (PAS), featuring a sophisticated double-jacketed design. The outer jacket employs carbon-free silicone for electrical isolation, while the inner jacket contains carbon black-infused silicone for precise volume leak detection. This dual-layer approach enables reliable operation across extreme temperature ranges, from -40°F to 176°F.

The system's intelligence stems from a triple algorithm approach combining static, dynamic, and swarm analysis. This sophisticated processing minimizes false alarms while maintaining high sensitivity to actual leaks. The static algorithm identifies large-scale events, while dynamic monitoring detects vapor-phase hydrocarbons. The swarm algorithm analyzes multiple variables to establish accurate baseline measurements and identify genuine leak events.

Naftosense's control infrastructure supports various coordination methods and power options, including traditional AC/DC, solar, and long-life internal batteries. The system's compatibility with multiple communication protocols enables seamless integration with existing industrial control systems, from basic dry contact connections to advanced TCP/IP networks.

The technology distinguishes itself through its immunity to common interference sources, including vibrations, methane, water, and electrical noise. This robust performance, combined with hazardous area approval and reusable components, makes it particularly valuable for demanding industrial environments where reliability and safety remain paramount.

As industries face increasing pressure to minimize environmental impact and maximize operational efficiency, Naftosense's advanced leak detection technology offers a comprehensive solution that addresses both current challenges and future requirements. Their system's ability to provide rapid, accurate detection while maintaining operational flexibility positions it as a crucial tool for modern industrial safety and environmental compliance.

https://naftosense.com
(614) 350-0911

Harnessing Polymer Cable Leak Detection Systems for Hydrocarbon Leak Management

Hydrocarbon leaks pose significant risks to both the environment and industrial operations. Releasing oil, natural gas, or other hydrocarbon substances can lead to environmental degradation, safety hazards, and substantial financial losses due to product loss and remediation costs. Effective leak detection systems are crucial in mitigating these risks, and among the most innovative solutions are polymer cable leak detection systems. These systems offer a range of advantages that make them highly effective for managing hydrocarbon leaks.

Polymer cable leak detection systems employ specialized cables made from polymers that react when in contact with hydrocarbons. These reactions can include swelling, changes in electrical properties, or other measurable alterations that signal the presence of a leak. The cables are strategically installed along pipelines, around storage tanks, or in areas where hydrocarbon leaks might occur. When a leak happens, the polymer cable detects it promptly, allowing immediate response.

One of the primary advantages of polymer cable systems is their ability to detect leaks early. By continuously monitoring the environment along the length of the cable, these systems can identify leaks at their inception. Early detection is critical in preventing minor leaks from escalating into significant incidents that could cause extensive environmental harm and require costly cleanup operations. Rapidly identifying leaks minimizes product loss, preserving valuable resources that would otherwise be wasted.

Sensitivity is another critical benefit of polymer cable leak detection systems. The polymers used in these cables are highly responsive to hydrocarbons and capable of detecting even minimal concentrations. This high level of sensitivity ensures that no leak goes unnoticed, regardless of its size. Detecting small leaks is particularly important in industries where even minor releases can have significant consequences, such as in chemical processing plants or refineries.

Polymer cable systems can detect the presence of a leak and accurately pinpoint its location. This precise localization is achieved by analyzing the changes in the cable's properties at specific points along its length. Knowing the exact location of a leak enables maintenance teams to address the issue quickly and efficiently, reducing downtime and avoiding unnecessary excavation or inspection in unaffected areas. This targeted approach to leak management enhances operational efficiency and reduces repair costs.

Polymer cable leak detection systems also offer notable advantages in durability and reliability. The cables are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, moisture, and chemical exposure. This robustness ensures that the leak detection system remains operational over long periods, providing consistent monitoring without frequent maintenance or replacement. The long-term reliability of polymer cables contributes to lower operational costs and ensures continuous protection against leaks.

Polymer cable systems also offer minimal false alarms compared to other detection methods. Since the polymers are specifically sensitive to hydrocarbons, they are less likely to react to non-hazardous substances. This specificity reduces the incidence of false positives that can lead to unnecessary operational interruptions and maintenance efforts. A system with fewer false alarms enhances trust in the leak detection process and allows personnel to focus on genuine issues that require attention.

Cost-effectiveness is another significant advantage. While the initial installation of polymer cable systems may represent an investment, the long-term savings are substantial. These systems save companies money over time by preventing leaks from escalating and reducing the need for extensive repairs or environmental remediation. Additionally, the reduced maintenance requirements and the longevity of the cables contribute to overall cost savings.

Compliance with environmental regulations is a critical concern for companies handling hydrocarbons. Regulatory bodies mandate stringent leak detection and prevention measures to protect the environment and public health. Polymer cable leak detection systems help companies meet these regulatory requirements by providing reliable and verifiable leak detection capabilities. Utilizing such advanced technology demonstrates a company's commitment to environmental stewardship and can improve its reputation with regulators and the public.

Integration capabilities further enhance the appeal of polymer cable systems. They can be seamlessly integrated with existing monitoring and control systems, providing a unified platform for managing operational safety. The data collected by the polymer cables can be fed into centralized systems that monitor various aspects of the operation, facilitating comprehensive oversight and quicker decision-making in case of a leak.

Polymer cable leak detection systems offer many advantages for managing hydrocarbon leaks. Their early detection capabilities, high sensitivity, precise localization, durability, and cost-effectiveness make them invaluable tools for industries dealing with hydrocarbons. By adopting these systems, companies can significantly reduce the risks associated with leaks, ensure compliance with regulations, and promote a safer, more sustainable operational environment. Investing in polymer cable technology is not just a financial decision but a commitment to responsible industry practices and environmental protection.

https://naftosense.com
(614) 350-0911

Naftosense Fuel Leak Detection Systems: Safeguarding the Environment and Your Reputation

In today's world, where environmental protection and safety are paramount concerns, businesses involved in handling petroleum fuels face increasingly stringent regulations. Leaks from pipelines, storage tanks, and refueling areas can devastate the environment and a company's reputation. Enter Naftosense fuel leak detection systems, offering reliable and accurate solutions to detect and pinpoint the source of leaks before they become catastrophic.

Naftosense is at the forefront of leak detection technology, with sensor cables installed worldwide. The heart of the system lies in the sensor cables and probes that can directly detect the presence of hydrocarbons. These sensors come in various forms, including cables for double containment pipe systems, indoor day tanks, pumps, and valve pads and cables for detecting liquid fuels in sumps or containment areas. The sensor cables and probes connect to various monitoring and alarm panels, from simple battery-powered LED flashers to sophisticated network master control systems.

Naftosense fuel leak detection systems are used in various sectors of the oil and gas industry. In high-consequence areas where pipeline leaks can have severe impacts, Naftosense's hydrocarbon sensing cables serve as effective mitigating devices. These systems offer a cost-effective alternative to SCADA for batch and transfer lines, providing better sensitivity and actionable alarms.

In airport systems, Naftosense cables and probes offer continuous leak detection and precise location, allowing for quick response and minimizing disruption to operations. Tank farms also benefit from these systems, with cables installed around the circumference or beneath tank floor plates to safeguard against leakage through corroded bottom plates.

Above-ground piping at terminals, refineries, harbors, and oil fields can be monitored by strapping sensor cables to the bottom of the pipes. These cables detect the first drips of fuel or oil, enabling swift action to prevent further spillage.

Naftosense fuel leak detection systems provide a comprehensive solution to the challenges businesses face with petroleum fuels. By offering reliable, accurate, and customizable leak detection and location capabilities, these systems help protect the environment, ensure safety, and safeguard the reputation of the companies that employ them. As regulations continue to tighten and the demand for environmental responsibility grows, Naftosense stands ready to assist businesses in meeting these challenges head-on.

Naftosense.com
(614) 350-0911

Data Center Leak Detection

In modern computer data centers, hydrocarbon leaks can be a serious concern because they can lead to equipment malfunctions, fires, or other potentially hazardous situations. Data centers are complex environments with a mix of electrical, cooling, and backup systems. Here are areas that are sensitive to hydrocarbon leaks:

Cooling Systems: Many data centers use liquid-based cooling solutions, especially in high-density setups. A leak from these systems can cause electrical short-circuits, corrode equipment, and increase fire risk if the cooling fluid is flammable.

Backup Power Systems: Many data centers, like diesel generators, have backup power solutions to ensure continuity during power outages. A leak from these generators, especially fuel storage tanks or supply lines, can be a fire hazard and pose environmental concerns if the fuel seeps into the ground.

Fire Suppression Systems: Some older data centers might use Halon or other hydrocarbon-based fire suppressants. Accidental discharge or leaks can deplete the ozone layer and contribute to global warming.

Raised Floors: Data centers often have raised floors under which cables, cooling systems, and sometimes even fuel lines for backup generators run. Hydrocarbon leaks in this space can go unnoticed, pose a fire risk, or damage the equipment or cabling underneath.

Air Conditioning and HVAC Systems: Hydrocarbons used as refrigerants can leak from the AC or HVAC systems. While modern refrigerants are often less harmful than older ones, leaks can pose environmental concerns.

Power Distribution Units (PDUs) and Batteries: Some battery technologies, especially older ones, might leak hydrocarbons, damaging nearby equipment and increasing fire risk.

Hydrocarbons can harm the environment if they enter the soil or water systems, impacting the local ecosystem and contaminating drinking water sources. Leaks can also significantly damage the building's structure if they corrode certain materials. It can also compromise the integrity of walls, ceilings, and floors, which is critical for maintaining a controlled environment inside the data center.

Leak detection solutions in data centers are crucial to prevent downtime, equipment damage, and potential safety hazards.

Cable-based leak detection systems, sometimes called rope-type or cable-type leak detectors, are widely utilized in data centers because they cover extensive areas and provide precise leak detection and location. 

How They Work:

These systems use specially designed cables that detect the presence of liquid along their length. When any part of the cable comes into contact with a liquid, it causes a change in the cable's resistance, capacitance, or conductivity, depending on the design.  Some advanced systems can even pinpoint the exact location of the leak along the cable, allowing for swift mitigation.

Placement:

Under Raised Floors: Many data centers use raised floors to route cables and sometimes cooling systems. Leaks under these floors can go undetected and cause significant damage. Laying cable-type detectors under the floor ensures early detection.

Perimeter of Rooms: These cables can quickly detect any water entering the room by outlining the room's edges.

Around Equipment: They can be placed around the base of critical equipment, especially water-cooled servers or equipment close to cooling systems.

Along Piping: For data centers that utilize liquid cooling or have extensive plumbing for other reasons, cable detectors are run alongside pipes to detect leaks promptly.

In Overhead Areas: Sometimes, cable trays or overhead systems might leak, primarily if they house cooling pipes. Rope detectors run through these areas for added protection.

Advantages:

Coverage: One of the main advantages is the ability to cover vast areas with a single system.

Precision: Advanced systems can identify the exact location of the leak, allowing for quick response and mitigation.

Flexibility: They can be routed around obstacles, bent around corners, and tailored to fit the specific layout of a data center.

Integration: These systems can often be integrated into the broader environmental monitoring systems of the data center, ensuring centralized monitoring and alerting.

Cable-based leak detection systems effectively protect data centers from the potentially devastating effects of water leaks. Their ability to cover large areas and offer precise detection makes them an invaluable tool in the arsenal of data center management.

Naftosense.com
(614) 350-0911

Naftosense: Leak Detection Systems for a Wide Range of Hydrocarbon Liquids

Naftosense is a leading company specializing in creating and producing hydrocarbon leak detection systems. Their advanced technology anchors in an array of addressable products capable of identifying and monitoring the presence of different types of hydrocarbons in real time.

Their wide range of detection systems can identify an array of hydrocarbons, including but not limited to refined fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Additionally, they can detect light to heavy crude oils, critical components in the oil and gas industry. Lubricants, commonly used in various mechanical and industrial applications, can also be detected with sophisticated systems.

In addition to this, Naftosense's systems can detect dielectric oils. These oils are usually insulators and coolants in high-voltage transformers and capacitors, making this feature particularly useful in the electrical power industry. Their technology also identifies various solvents in multiple industrial, commercial, and household products.

Furthermore, Naftosense's systems can pinpoint the presence of petrochemical compounds. These are often the base elements in manufacturing plastics, synthetic materials, and numerous chemicals.

Overall, Naftosense's advanced technology, embodied in its cutting-edge hydrocarbon leak detection systems, delivers reliable, efficient, and versatile solutions to safeguard against potential leaks, ensuring the safety and efficiency of operations across a broad spectrum of industries.

https://naftosense.com

(614) 350-0911

Elastomer Absorption Technology for Leak Detection

Elastomer Absorption Technology is a specialized method used in hydrocarbon leak detection cables to identify and locate hydrocarbon leaks, such as those from oil, gasoline, diesel, or other similar substances. This technology employs the unique properties of elastomeric materials, which are polymer-based materials with high elasticity and can return to their original shape after deformation.

In the context of hydrocarbon leak detection cables, Elastomer Absorption technology functions as follows:

1. Cable construction: The leak detection cable consists of a core sensing element of a hydrocarbon-sensitive elastomeric material surrounded by an external protective sheath. The sheath is usually made of a chemical-resistant material, allowing it to withstand harsh environmental conditions and protect the internal sensing element from damage.
2. Absorption and swelling: When the elastomeric sensing element comes into contact with hydrocarbons, it absorbs them, causing the elastomer to swell. This swelling is a vital characteristic of the elastomeric material used in the cable, and this property enables the detection of hydrocarbon leaks.
3. Signal generation: In most applications, the leak detection cable includes an alarm and monitoring system. Due to hydrocarbon absorption, the system can detect and monitor the change in the elastomer's physical properties, such as its volume or capacitance. When the cable senses a leak, it generates a signal. It sends it to the monitoring system, which then triggers an alarm, alerting the operator to the presence of a hydrocarbon leak.
4. Leak localization: Advanced leak detection cables with Elastomer Absorption technology can provide accurate information about the leak's location. These cables include multiple sensing zones along their length, allowing the monitoring system to identify the specific zone where the leak occurs. By pinpointing the exact location of the leak, operators can take quick and effective action to address the issue.

Elastomer Absorption Technology is a critical component of hydrocarbon leak detection cables, leveraging the unique properties of elastomeric materials to absorb hydrocarbons and trigger alarms in case of a leak. This technology allows for rapid detection and localization of hydrocarbon leaks, minimizing their associated risks and enabling operators to address them promptly.

Naftosense.com

(614) 350-0911

The Naftosense FLD-TSP7 Control Panel

FLD-TSP7 is a high-performance 7-inch touchscreen controller designed for powering and interfacing with Naftosense brand of monitoring modules. These modules base communications on Naftosense long-range ERBUS proprietary bus. The controller provides an IP54/NEMA 3S water-resistant wall-mounted enclosure for installation in control rooms and other remote locations where dripping water might be potentially present.

The primary use of FLD-TSP7 is to monitor up to three zones with long lines of leak detection for hydrocarbons, alcohols, solvents, or conductive liquids of up to 9800ft (3000 m) each. Each zone on the FLD-TSP7 can power and communicate with up to 25 Naftosense monitoring modules. The communication protocol permits robust and reliable operation even in case of partial failure of the circuit of monitoring modules. Each monitoring module can connect several independent sensors and provide the true multi-leak capability.

FLD-TSP7 provides power and multiplexed communications through the Naftosense ERBUS proprietary bus resulting in an efficient communication infrastructure. The FLD-TSP7's high-level interfacing to DCS/SCADA implements through the RS-485 serial output with Modbus RTU or dry contacts. With options for up to 9 SPDT relays, alarms, and readily configured communications, the FLD-TSP7 is fast and easy to set up.

The maximum distance covered with this wired layout (accumulated sensor and jumper cables) is more than 2.3 miles (3.2 km). The optional loopback wiring increases the system reliability in case of cable breaks and shorts. The intuitive password-protected user interface on the touch panel provides flexible configuration and adjustable alarm threshold.

Features and Benefits of the FLD-TSP7

• Extremely long range of leak detection circuit monitoring
• Easy T-branching – no special devices/components needed
• Adjustable alarm threshold
• Very wide operating temperatures range
• Able to interface with sensor modules for various types of liquids as water, acids, bases, hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, etc.
• 10-year warranty

Typical Applications for the FLD-TSP7

• Pipe sections in remote facilities
• Detection of viscous hydrocarbons in substations, pumping stations, etc.
• Detection of leaking fuel from airport hydrant systems, military, and custody transfer installations in harsh outdoor, demanding environmental conditions
• Leak detection in data centers and commercial buildings

Naftosense.com

(614) 350-0911

Emergency Diesel Generator Fuel Leak Detection

Emergency generators are often the final line of defense for many facilities when a utility failure or a catastrophic incident occurs. Undetected diesel oil leaking on generators can be exceedingly harmful, with potentially profound effects, especially in data centers, health care facilities, airports, or military facilities. 

Diesel oil leak detection by Naftosense protects diesel generators and the diesel systems that support them, such as storage tanks and diesel distribution pipelines. The leak detection system includes addressable sensing cables, point sensors, and digital leak monitoring panels. 

Once a leak is discovered anywhere along the sensor cable, the digital leak monitoring panels will offer information on the precise position of the leak. The monitoring panel also provides information on the persistence of the leak and the magnitude of the leak. The sensor cable only responds when it comes into contact with hydrocarbons, making it perfect for detecting diesel fuel. 

By installing a hydrocarbon sensing sensor cable in the floor space surrounding the generators and fuel tanks, you can create a system that detects fuel considerably more quickly than any other conventional way. Apart from rapid detection, this technique enables the owner to immediately determine if a leak is a minor nuisance impacting only a few inches of the sensor wire or a significant leak affecting a broad section of the sensor cable. This degree of detail can be incredibly beneficial when the equipment is in a remote location. Upon discovering a leak, immediately action may be taken. Depending on the installation, you may opt to shut down the problem engine, stop the associated fuel pumps, or notify the facility's manager of the condition.

The following are some of the benefits of Naftosense Diesel Leak Detection Systems: 

• Water and pollutants do not affect the accuracy of the detection. 
• Leaks can be detected early and accurately. 
• Small, medium, and large area monitoring. 
• The unique address of each sensor cable allows for individual identification of multiple leaks. 
• Can be deployed in explosive environments. 
• Installation and expansion are simple, and maintenance is simple.

For more information, contact Naftosense. Call (614) 350-0911 of visit https://naftosense.com.

Welcome to the Naftosense Blog

Polymer Absorption Sensor (PAS) technology is at the heart of Naftosense products (specifically in Naftosense products, Elastomer Absorption Sensors). PAS technology, developed in the 1950s, has a track record of detecting hydrocarbons in extreme conditions and enables real-time, cost-effective critical infrastructure integrity monitoring. Naftosense technology deploys quickly and easily in almost any facility due to its seamless integration with existing infrastructure.

Future posts will focus on applications and deeper insights into the underlying technology. Please check back frequently.