Protectem Flangebelt sniffer belt in cold/cryogenic systems
Advantages of the Protectem Flangebelt/ sniffer belt
Protectem-Flangebelts™ are commonly used in hot insulation systems to detect leakages in flange connections, or are used for personal protection at high-pressure flange connection systems, the so-called “sprayers”.
Additionally, Protectem Flangebelts™ can also be applied as a solution in cold/ cryogenic insulations systems, where they are often referred to as sniffer belts.
Current situation
Only pipework is insulated, and insulation of valves and flange-connections can only be completed after a successful leakage and pressure test. These tests are always carried out in the final stage of the project which results in extreme time pressure for insulation contractors.
The solution
First, install Protectem Flangebelts™ with Teflon seal and leak-pipe at flange connections. Insulate the flange connections and valves and make sure that the leak-pipe sticks out of the metal plating. Leak and pressure test is then executed after the insulation is completed. Possible leakage is detected/ sniffed through the leak-pipe. After a successful test leak-pipes can be removed, and the cavity filled with Handi-Foam® and the metal cladding finished with Tembutil-IF. The Protectem Flangebelt™/ sniffer belt remains under the insulation.
Benefits
- The entire piping system can then be insulated without interference of leak testing.
- Less risk for delay of start-up of the plant.
- Cost reduction and efficient final commission.
- No workload peaks for contractor during final stage of the project.
When following the original installation procedures, all flange connections are insulated after a successful leak/ pressure test, this results in a tremendous peak in the contractors’ workload. Installing Protectem Flangebelts™ can flatten out this peak over the entire project, if during final testing a flange-connection leakage is found, only the insulation at the leakage has to be removed, the leakage is resolved and the flange-connection re insulated. This method has proven to be more efficient and results in costs reductions, higher safety, and guarantees the start-up date.