How to Confirm the Camera View in High Mist Flow Regimes

How to Confirm the Camera View in High Mist Flow Regimes

In certain situations, such as high mist flow regimes, it may be necessary to confirm the view captured by the LineVu system. High mist environments can cause the emitted light from the LineVu system to reflect off the mist, resulting in a white or unclear video. To address this issue, you can follow a simple procedure to isolate the gas in the standoff, refocus the camera, and restore a clear view.

Understanding the Problem

In high mist flow regimes:

  • The fine mist particles scatter the light, leading to a white, hazy video.
  • This phenomenon makes it difficult to see the pipeline floor effectively.
  • If the pipe floor is completely obscured, variations in brightness can still be seen on the vertical bar to the left of the image.
  • In some instances of prolonged heavy mist flow, where the brightness level has been at maxiium for a while, it may be necessary to check that the camera is still operational.
This can be achieved with gas still flowing. By using the isolation valve on the tapping point to isolate the LineVu system from the gas and venting the mist, the system can provide a clear, mist-free view as confirmation.

Procedure to Confirm Camera View

Steps:

  1. Notify Process Vision Support

    • Before proceeding, inform the Process Vision Support team about the timing of the planned valve closure. This allows the team to provide real-time assistance or monitor the system if necessary.

  2. Close the Valve on the Standoff

    • Isolate the gas by closing the valve on the standoff and vent and the small volume of captured gas between the camera and the valve.
      Note: If venting the gas is not feasible due to hazardous gas conditions, proceed to the alternative method outlined below.

  3. Refocus and Confirm the View

    • Process Vision Support will now adjust camera value to confirm a clear view of the back of the valve. You can observe this on your local display device (e.g., Discovery Unit). The mist should now be removed from the view after venting.

  4. Reopen the Valve

    • Gradually reopen the valve to prevent contamination from being projected onto the camera lens. Opening the valve slowly minimizes turbulence and the risk of reintroducing mist into the standoff.

  5. Notify Process Vision Support for Final Adjustment

    • Once the valve is reopened, notify the Process Vision Support team. They can assist in refocusing the camera onto the pipeline floor to resume normal operations.


Info

Alternative Method: When Venting Is Not Feasible

If venting the gas is not possible due to the hazardous nature of the gas:

  • Isolate the gas in the standoff and allow sufficient time for the mist to settle and condense onto the pipeline wall.
  • This natural settling process may restore clarity to the camera view without requiring venting.
  • Notify Process Vision Support to inform them of the situation and to seek further guidance.

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