TPI July 2011

developments products &

Wireless detection and communication for piping networks

• Tags with no power supply requirement, integrated directly in the fitting or pipe, or as standalone electronic markers • A simple reading system with an adapted antenna, compatible with products available on the market • A signal measured on the surface precisely describes the detected pipe, avoiding interference in case of multiple nearby networks The new-generation RFID tags are integrated directly in piping or network parts using the patented process. Information specific to each type of piping is embedded onto each tag. Standalone markers can be used to identify existing underground works. “We are pleased to have met the technical challenge of developing this detection and autonomous communication technology, specifically adapted for piping and underground networks,” commented Marc-Antoine Blin, general manager of RYB. “This solution is unique in the world today. This development effort required over three years of close collaboration with CEA-Leti, involving research on numerous potential options and over €1mn in investment. A new era has now arrived for underground network- related works. The ELIOT solution meets operator needs for gas and energy networks, as well as for the transport of dangerous matter in general, making it easier to monitor and maintain underground works and significantly reduce the risk of major industrial accidents in many sectors.” Tests were also performed on the GDF- Suez group’s experimental platform. GDF-Suez provided expertise in terms of the major issues in the field, enabling RYB/CEA-Leti to properly adapt the technical solution to real-world operational requirements.

Dedicated to detecting networks, the technology represents a breakthrough for monitoring and maintaining networks, as well as reducing industrial risks and costs related to networks that are broken during works. The system provides advanced traceability for underground networks, both for infrastructure resource management and maintenance. The new generation of RFID technology developed by RYB and CEA-Leti, protected by international patents, offers the following features: • Detection up to 1.5m underground, providing accuracy within a few centimetres • Support for harsh network environments for detection, localisation and reading of information stored on a chip: networks covered by all types of ground (tar, sand, dirt, rocks, dry, wet, etc), or submerged underwater (such as in the water table)

At the Gastech conference, held in Amsterdam in March, RYB, the French leader in utility networks and piping, unveiled a solution that enables detection and communication for underground assets. Developed in collaboration with CEA-Leti, the unique RFID technology revolutionises safety, monitoring and maintenance for gas, energy and dangerous matter networks, reducing the risk of industrial accidents in these areas. The risk of industrial accidents is a serious consideration in the gas and energy sectors, as well as for dangerous liquid transport in general. One of the critical aspects of these activities is related to the piping and underground networks used to carry various resources and matter. Numerous industrial accidents, sometimes with serious consequences, are directly caused by the involuntary cutting or breakage of poorly identified underground pipes. This situation is often due to incomplete network maps, or by the fact that techniques for locating pipes are complex and generally difficult to perform in the field. In order to resolve this issue, RYB worked with CEA-Leti to develop a complete wireless detection and communication system for underground networks, named ELIOT ® (equipment for localisation and identification by object technology).

• Instant feedback

• Information storage: detected network type (application), manufacturing date, installation date, serial number, diameter, nominal pressure, etc

Steel tube and fittings Heubach International, headquartered in Mumbai, India, is a manufacturer of pipes and fittings. The company is also an authorised sub-dealer of Jindal Stainless Hisar, and a wholesale supplier for stainless steel, alloy steel, carbon steel, non-ferrous metal, sheet, plates, coils, tubes, pipes, rods, wires, flats, structural, fittings and flanges.

plants, pump and valvemanufacturers, engineering, electrical and cement industries, for new projects, project expansion and routine maintenance. Heubach can supply items under third party inspection by bureau veritas, DNV H&G, Kavernor power gas, Udhe lndia, EIL, Lloyds, Toyo, Chemtex, Ceil, Tecnimont ICB and IBR.

Heubach International – India heubachmahendra@gmaiI.com www.heubachint.com

The company supplies chemical, fertiliser and petrochemical industries, paper mills, sugar mills and distillation

RYB SA – France www.eliot-tech.com

30

Tube Products International July 2011

www.read-tpi.com