SAFETY CRITICAL SOLUTIONS

VAPO-FLO: IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DELUGE TESTING

What is Vapo-Flo?

Vapo-Flo is a non-toxic smoke generating system that uses an oil-based vapour instead of water to test the effectiveness of deluge systems. This reduces the need for frequent wet deluge testing.

Currently, in an offshore environment, deluge systems are tested by passing seawater through the system which is sprayed over the equipment on the oil rig. This seawater causes accelerated corrosion of the equipment and the deluge pipework itself. Wet testing currently takes place anywhere between every six months to every five years with older systems requiring more frequent testing than newer systems. This increased wet deluge testing exacerbates corrosion within the pipework, resulting in possible unplanned shut-downs to rectify the resulting damage. Dry testing with Vapo-Flo reduces this risk as wet testing is required less frequently, extending periods between wet testing to five years plus.

Frequent wet testing also increases the risk of the drains caissons becoming overwhelmed with the water volume, resulting in the likelihood of oil fractions being carried into the water outlet, causing water sheening downstream of the asset during testing.

Vapo-Flo works by blowing smoke through the pipework via the deluge valve test line. Blockages can visually be detected by a reduction in smoke exiting the nozzles allowing for further investigation and remedial work. This can be carried out using a boroscope to check for blockages or poor pipe condition and can be done without shutting down or interrupting ongoing work in the area, reducing the possible loss of valuable production hours.

Vapo-Flo also lines the pipework with a unique oil-based vapour resin that prevents any further corrosion, reducing possible damage in the future.

With Vapo-Flo, systems can be checked every six-months for blockages without increasing the corrosion of the asset, with wet testing being done on a less frequent basis.

Wet testing of a deluge system

Dry-testing Vapo-Flo smoke being released through the deluge nozzle VAPO

-FLO

Corrosion under insulation of pipework

Vapo-Flo can be used in any situation where wet testing would normally occur. Vapo-Flo testing reduces the need for wet testing and the chance of corrosion, reducing the cost of maintaining the asset.

Vapo-Flo is part of the Blaze Deluge Management Solution.

Key benefits of Vapo-Flo dry deluge testing:

• Reduces the need for more frequent wet deluge testing

• Oil-based vapour lines the pipe with a resin that prevents further corrosion

• Non-toxic and non-flammable

• No interruption to works in the area during testing so no lost production time

• The flow of firewater to protected areas is not obstructed during testing

• Blocked or damaged nozzles and damaged pipework is quickly pinpointed

• Pipework failures are easier to identify

• System branch blocking for larger systems

• Makes borescope inspections more efficient

Cost reducing:

• Dry testing can be carried out more quickly and with less manpower, reducing costs to the operator

• No shut down is required – no production hours lost

• A complete platform can be tested in a much shorter period of time

• Possible integrity issues are picked up quickly, ensuring repairs are carried out before the problem is exasperated

Dry-testing Vapo-Flo smoke being released through the deluge nozzle

CO2 cylinder supplied with the Vapo-Flo kit

Fan blower for distributing the Vapo-Flo smoke

For Further Information please contact us at

Blaze Manufacturing Solutions LtdBlaze HouseLaurencekirk Business ParkLAURENCEKIRKAberdeenshireAB30 1EY

info@blazeman.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0)1561 378899

www.blazeman.co.uk

SAFETY CRITICAL SOLUTIONS

VAPO

-FLO