various scenarios to evaluate forming gas ’ performance , reliability and theoretical foundations . Their goal was not just to prove the effectiveness of forming gas but to create a comprehensive body of evidence that could withstand scrutiny from industry peers and regulators . “ We started by examining the theoretical basis ,” Lechevallier explains . “ We distilled our findings into a few key formulas that describe gas behaviour during fugitive emission tests . This process raised an important question : What is the size of a typical fugitive emission and how does it behave under different conditions ?” Their research yielded surprising insights , challenging common assumptions about gas behaviour . Lechevallier reveals , “ We discovered that helium excels at detecting very small leaks — what we call fugitive emissions . Interestingly , for larger leaks , methane escapes much more rapidly than helium .” This counterintuitive finding highlights the critical importance of thorough research in driving innovation within the field . The validation process was both rigorous and comprehensive , combining laboratory tests with field trials . Lechevallier explains , “ We established a lab with calibrated leaks π www . valve-world . net Valve World October 2024
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Kruijer ’ s advocacy for stringent fugitive emissions performance standards was often met with caution and scepticism . The oil and gas industry , known for its conservative approach to adopting new technologies due to safety concerns , presented a challenging environment for innovation . However , Kruijer ’ s persistence , coupled with thorough research and collaboration with experts , led to a deep understanding of the science and technological improvements that could enhance testing methods and performance standards . “ Shell is a company that values transparency and collaboration , with a strong commitment to ethical decision making ,” Kruijer states . This approach has been instrumental in advocating for higher standards and more sustainable practices across the industry .
A chance encounter leads to breakthrough
The story of forming gas as a leak testing alternative began with a chance encounter at a Valve World Conference . Emiel Lechevallier from Ventil Test Equipment introduced Kruijer to the concept of using forming gas instead of helium for leak testing . This serendipitous meeting would lead to a collaboration that would challenge industry norms and potentially revolutionise leak testing practices . Kruijer explains , “ This caught my attention because safely conducting fugitive emission testing at our required levels has been a significant challenge .” The innovation addresses two longstanding industry concerns : the escalating costs of helium-based testing and the safety and environmental risks associated with methane use indoors as an alternative – debated because LDAR programs are historically benchmarked on methane .
Alfred Kruijer reviewing research at his Shell office in Den Haag
Kruijer ’ s curiosity about forming gas quickly grew into a passionate pursuit . Working closely with Lechevallier , he explored both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of this new leak detection method .
Validating the forming gas approach
Kruijer and Lechevallier conducted an extensive series of experiments across
Emiel Lechevallier , Ventil Test Equipment , speaking at Valve World Conference in Singapore
various scenarios to evaluate forming gas ’ performance , reliability and theoretical foundations . Their goal was not just to prove the effectiveness of forming gas but to create a comprehensive body of evidence that could withstand scrutiny from industry peers and regulators . “ We started by examining the theoretical basis ,” Lechevallier explains . “ We distilled our findings into a few key formulas that describe gas behaviour during fugitive emission tests . This process raised an important question : What is the size of a typical fugitive emission and how does it behave under different conditions ?” Their research yielded surprising insights , challenging common assumptions about gas behaviour . Lechevallier reveals , “ We discovered that helium excels at detecting very small leaks — what we call fugitive emissions . Interestingly , for larger leaks , methane escapes much more rapidly than helium .” This counterintuitive finding highlights the critical importance of thorough research in driving innovation within the field . The validation process was both rigorous and comprehensive , combining laboratory tests with field trials . Lechevallier explains , “ We established a lab with calibrated leaks π www . valve-world . net Valve World October 2024
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