ConditionALL is a Norwegian based company that is specialized on condition monitoring of valves. They provide valve diagnostic products and services worldwide.
The initiative for this type of monitoring came from a client and this is where we have their strength. Being a company that focuses solely on valve technology, the journey from a thought/idea/request to having concept is short. In this case less than a week from request to a concept!
A few weeks after the “Proof of Concept” was tested at Abacus Valves International.
At the same time, ConditionALL also worked with the client testing check valves that was brought to land for maintenance. These valves will be re-tested by ConditionALL with the same new method when set back in-line offshore.
Concept:
A non-intrusive and non-contact travel sensor is installed on the valve body. A small adjustment is done on the disk by the vendor/valve owner.
This way any movement will be picked up and transferred to the C-ALL software Insight.
In-situ proof testing is used to verify the integrity and functionality of equipment or systems while they are in their operating position or “in situ.” This testing method is performed without the need to remove the equipment or system from its normal operational environment or interfere with the production.
The purpose of in-situ proof testing is to ensure that the equipment can perform its intended function safely and effectively. With this new sensor the actual position is measured for the whole range 0 – 100%. Faults like slow movement, stuck or chatter can be detected.
This new sensor can be combined with:
• Acoustic leak sensor to pick up any changes in the valve seat condition
• Pressure sensor – upstream / downstream, use to calculate any leak and how the disk is moving (together with new travel sensor) during a compressor trip versus differential pressure – pick up changes in how quick the valve close
Conclusion:
Testing of Check Valves is time- and resource-consuming and often the installations do not have a good strategy/plan for this.
Monitoring will give opportunities to improve safety and increase production uptime. Maintenance intervals can be extended, and the condition of the valve will be known.
Digitalization of non-slam check valves is now taken to a new level.