The Use of Aerial Platforms for Identification of Loss of Containment

Abstract

Containment leaks in process plants pose a substantial risk, leading to potential fires, explosions, and toxic releases. Given the complexity of spill detection, monitoring is essential to promptly identify LOCs and minimize consequences. For in-depth analysis, it is important to constantly monitor large areas over time to gain a global view and identify any changes. At the same time, immediate inspection provides detailed data in real-time, allowing you to respond quickly in critical situations and it is particularly useful for analysing specific details. The utilization of aerial platforms, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones), can be adopted for instant inspections, significantly improving their effectiveness. Initially employed for monitoring civil structures, drones have found applications in the process industry due to their flexibility, versatility, and precision. Equipped with carefully chosen sensors, drones can provide detailed information by approaching dispersed gases, enabling accurate calculations of quantities. Additionally, drones equipped with cameras offer the capability to visualize released gases and detect small fires from a safe distance, allowing for detailed observation without direct exposure to potential dangers. This research represents a review of the state of the art with a specific focus on a gas, hydrogen, with significant potential to reduce environmental pollution and fossil fuel dependence. The wide flammability range and the low ignition heat of hydrogen pose risks of forming flammable mixtures with air during leaks, leading to spontaneous ignition. While existing studies have explored leak detection methodologies through mathematical models and laboratory-scale simulations, there is a gap in addressing real-scale hydrogen leak detection. The research proposes a meticulously designed monitoring system to safely identify hydrogen leaks, crucial in preventing potential jet fire phenomena when mixed with the surrounding air.