Guidelines for seismic design, assessment of pipelines
Pipeline Research Council International Inc., Arlington, Va., has released new guidelines for the assessment of natural gas and liquid hydrocarbon pipelines subjected to seismic-related loading conditions.
The guidelines are believed to be representative of, and consistent with, current pipeline industry practices in seismically active regions.The specific procedures contained in these guidelines are related to determining the severity of seismic hazards and the pipeline response to these hazards (e.g., liquefaction, fault displacement, slope instability).
Source: Technical Toolboxes Inc., Box 980550, Houston, TX 77098.
Remote monitor helps improve refinery, storage safety
Skymetry, a wireless, remote monitoring device, is designed to improve safety in refineries and storage facilities.
It monitors critical fluid storage, product flow and levels, timers, temperature, power failure, and alarms. It also offers duplex control capabilities. The system automatically alerts facility managers.
It monitors and controls equipment and environmental conditions using eight dry inputs, six analog inputs, built-in power failure detection, and two relay outputs.
The unit includes the Skymetry software package for Windows with access to a web site—www.skymetry.com—so that managers can remotely monitor input and output status and alarm history. Managers also can program the unit or control outputs remotely via the web page. Such control capabilities allow the device to:
- Datalog product flow to sales pipelines.
- Notify producer of separation tank trouble.
- Dispatch unauthorized access alarms.
- Initiate shutdown on loss-of-pressure.
- Obtain tank level information remotely.
- Other features include:
- Built-in power failure alarm and battery charger.
- Low battery alarm.
- Solar power option.
- Alarm message delivery to 16 destinations.
Source: Sensaphone, 901 Tyrens Rd., Aston, PA 19014.
Acid leak indicating safety paint
New ON GUARD acid detecting paint can be applied through conventional or airless spraying, brush, or roller.
It can be applied to flanges, pumps, valves, pipes, welds, sample ports or anywhere a leak may occur. The yellow paint will instantly turn bright red in the presence of acid or acid vapor pH 3 or below.
After repairing and neutralizing the leak, the paint reverts to its yellow color and is ready to detect another leak.
The paint can perform in harmony with electronic sensors to isolate a leak, the firm points out.
Source: AWC II Inc., Box 561, Smithville, MO 64089-0396.
