Thermal imaging camera proves ideal for offshore inspection

CAN Offshore is well known as the pioneer of roped access services for oil installations, initially in the North Sea but now worldwide. This expertise enables a range of engineering tasks to be performed much more economically than with traditional access techniques such as scaffolding. CAN Offshore’s multi-disciplined project services include a range of NDT inspection techniques which, thanks to company’s investment in a FLIR infrared camera from FLIR, now includes thermography.

Bad electrical connections, leaking hydrocarbon valves and vessel blockages are the main problems that the FLIR infrared is now being employed to detect. Reliable operation in hostile environments is a key requirement of the camera as bad weather, extreme temperatures and harsh sunlight are often the norm.

Offshore

This top-of the-range camera is ideal suited to the rigors of offshore use. As it uses long wave imaging, this FLIR is immune to solar reflection. With an all metal IP54-sealed camera body, it fits comfortably in one hand and requires no external cables to operate – a boon for a CAN Offshore maintenance engineer employing roped access. This is complemented by the camera’s ability to provide two hours of continuous operation via long-life, no-memory batteries.

Fully automated features simplify the predictive maintenance process from capturing images to documenting results in easy-to-understand reports. The camera is also one of the first thermal imaging cameras to provide both thermal and visual imaging capabilities as well as digital storage of text and voice notes.


Infrared image of an oil installation.		Bad electrical connection.

Another important factor for CAN Offshore is the camera’s uncooled operation. The FLIR camera features a patented solid-state, microbolometer sensor that requires no cryogenic cooling. Unlike its predecessors, it requires no warm-up time and is therefore instantly available for use once switched on.

“Thermal imaging is an important addition to our services. It is non-intrusive, no shutdown is needed,” concludes CAN Offshore’s Peter Barker. “The FLIR Reporter software enables us to analyse the results quickly, enabling any remedial action to be taken on failing plant or equipment without delay.”