Cleaning your LineVu's Camera Window

Cleaning your LineVu's Camera Window

The LineVu system is designed to monitor natural gas pipelines under pressure, using a robust sapphire window to provide a clear view while retaining pressure. While contamination on the lens is rare, it occasionally requires cleaning to maintain optimal performance. Cleaning the camera lens involves carefully removing the camera can from the tapping point, cleaning the sapphire window, and reassembling it. Follow these steps to ensure proper handling and cleaning:


Steps to Clean the LineVu Camera Lens

1. Power Off the Camera Can

  • Disconnect the camera can from the Discovery Unit to ensure it is powered off and safe to handle.
WarningCAUTION: Ensure LineVu is no longer energised.

2. Isolate and Vent the Standoff

  • Isolate the main valve, and the secondary valve if present, following site standard procedure.
  • Carefully bleed the remaining pressurized gas using the installed bleed valve on the provided flange adapter.

3. Break the Connection at the Flange

  • Remove the sunshade and the attached bracket from the flange adapter.
  • Use appropriate tools to undo the flange studs, breaking the connection at the flange to gain full access to the window.

Info
If the cable entering the camera can is tight, you may need to remove it before disconnecting the camera can from the pipeline.
Refer to cable removal instructions at the end of this documents.

4. Position the Camera Can Safely

  • Lay the camera can on a protected surface on its side. Ensure it is stable and will not roll or be damaged during the cleaning process.

5. Locate the Sapphire Window

  • Identify the sapphire window on the bottom of the camera can.
Idea
If possible, consider taking a photo of the window at this stage before cleaning for future reference.

6. Clean the Sapphire Window

  • Use a clean, soft cloth to gently wipe the lens, removing any contamination. Avoid using abrasive materials that could damage the surface.
Idea
If possible, consider taking a photo of the window at this stage after cleaning for future reference.

7. Reinstall the Camera Can

  • If the cable was removed, follow the cable removal instruction at the end of this document in reverse. Summarised as:
    • Reinsert the cable by replacing the cable gland, tightening the cable clamp, and reconnecting the Ethernet cable to the top PCB.
    • Secure the lid using the 6mm hex key, ensuring the Ex-d flamepath is intact.
  • Affix the camera can back onto the standoff.
  • Reattach the flange and secure the flange studs.
  • Reattach the sunshade and the bracket to the flange adapter.

8. Open the Valve Slowly

  • Open the valve gradually to avoid projecting contamination or mist onto the clean sapphire window.

9. Power On the Camera Can

  1. Connect the camera can to the Discovery Unit to ensure it is powered on and ready to use.

Notes

Cable Removal


Warning
CAUTION: At this stage, the safety critical flame paths are now exposed, and extreme care should be taken to avoid damaging the exposed surfaces.
  • Use a 6mm hex key to undo the lid, taking care not to scratch the Ex-d flamepath.
  • Unplug the Ethernet cable from the top PCB.
  • Loosen the cable clamp within the cable gland to prevent the entire cable from turning during removal.
  • Remove the cable gland and replace the lid to protect the flamepath.

Alert

Key Precautions

  • Always handle the Ex-d flamepath carefully to avoid damage.
  • Ensure all gas is safely vented before removing the camera can.
  • Use only clean, soft materials to clean the sapphire window.
  • Reassemble components securely to maintain system integrity.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean the LineVu camera lens, ensuring the system continues to provide accurate monitoring of your natural gas pipeline. If you have any doubts or need assistance, contact Process Vision's support team.