Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ViewGas (ViewGas – Patented gas vision system for a safe and fast detection of gas leaks)
Reporting period: 2018-09-01 to 2018-12-31
For Petroleum industries, gas detectors form part of emergency shutdown systems. For such systems, a high safety integrity level (SIL) is necessary. Conventional gas detectors (standard technology) are SIL certified but have several functional shortcomings. This has propelled the emergence of novel technologies for gas leaks detection, namely Optical Gas imaging (OGI). However, none of the OGI-based solutions have a measuring principle eligible for SIL-certification, hindering their integration with operators' ESDs. With the current project, Gas Optics aims to address this unmet need by conducting the activities needed to obtain and commercialize the first and only SIL-graded OGI system - the patented Gas Vision System (GVS®) technology.
The feasibility study was divided in 3 tasks: 1) SIL decision gate and Phase 2 planning, was conducted in close collaboration with an external inspection and certification consultant. Here, we evaluated the current GVS® and built a feasible workplan for optimization of this product to meet the SIL requirements. 2) A quantitative risk analysis was conducted in collaboration with a leading provider of risk management services with the scope of quantifying the risk reduction obtained by application of the GVS® instead of conventional gas detectors. Thus, a probabilistic analysis showed that the GVS® mediated a significant and substantial risk reduction compared to traditional solutions. 3) A market research analysis, including interviews with tier 1 operators were conducted to shed light on user needs and interest in GVS®. This confirmed interest and highlighted that novel, high-safety gas detection technologies are highly wanted and required throughout the oil and gas industries.
The feasibility study resulted in a detailed plan to obtain SIL compliance for the GVS®, which together with the patented technology behind the product will leave it uniquely placed in the market. Activities related to GVS® SIL compliance are system updates and optimizations; together with the SIL certification process and demonstration trials, these will be of major focus for the planned Phase 2 project. Demonstration trials, one with a safety company and one with a confirmed oil and gas operator, will be conducted and results will be documented for broad dissemination and communication. Implementation of the GVS® will have substantial benefits, including emission reductions and increased safety and cost-efficiency for the end-user.