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LEAK DETECTION ROBOT SAFE LEAK DETECTION New types of valves are tested for leakage before they can be installed in plants. This is done in a bunker, under simulated process conditions such as high pressures, temperatures and other extreme factors. A certain test protocol also simulates years of use. Being physically present at this leak detection can be risky for a human being. A collaborative robot, or Cobot for short, could be the solution. SMART TOOLING O B J E C T I V E COBOT FOR LEAK DETECTION TECHNICIAN IN A SAFE PLACE GAS DETECTION WITH PROBE LOCATION IN 3D CUSTOMER CAN WATCH ONLINE Colin Zegers (Director ITIS): "Our company is an independent organisation. We test all kinds of critical equipment such as valves, flanges and heat exchangers. We do this on behalf of large chemical and petrochemical companies. They buy these parts from a manufacturer, often with the aim of using large numbers. The manufacturer does test his end product, but in order to be sure that certain equipment will function properly under operating conditions for years on end, we expose it to sometimes extreme conditions in a safe environment. In doing so, we look, smell and measure. If the leakage is less than or equal to the maximum allowable leakage value, we can then issue a Type Approval". SAFETY AND EMISSIONS "In this way you bring potential problems to light in a controlled environment. Asset owners can better guaranteed the safety of the installations with this tested equipment. They can also prevent emissions," says Colin. 39

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