Vaetrix Digital Pressure Gauges: Gas Distribution – Timed Test Mode
PRODUCT ENHANCEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT
Vaetrix has an exciting new feature we are introducing to the market! Please read below for details!
NEW FEATURE: Timed Test Mode
AVAILABILITY: Standard on All Vaetrix Product Series
SPOTLIGHT SERIES: ETG / ETG+TP
RELEASE DATE: June 18, 2021
What is Timed Test Mode?
Timed Test Mode is a new Main Menu Option added to our firmware which allows the customer to pre-set the period of time they want the gauge to record prior to beginning their test. Prior to the start of their test, the customer will be able to dictate the length of time the gauge will record at any interval between 1 minute and 24 hours. Once Timed Test is set, the gauge will log pressure for the predetermined period of time, then auto shut-off, preventing the customer from having to manually “stop/end” the recording session. The end result displays the Start Time/Pressure, Leak Rate/Change, and End Time/Pressure all on one screen.
Why Did We Create Timed Test Mode?
Historically, in residential gas service testing, technicians were required to perform pressure integrity tests at the main distribution line as well as at the residential service line itself. While the main line tests could last 4-8 hours, the service tests at the residence may only last 10 minutes and typically do not require temperature records. Technicians were manually recording the start pressure, waiting 10 minutes, then manually recording the end pressure to document their test for inspectors. How did they accomplish documenting this test in a quantifiable way with a time stamp? CELL PHONE PICTURES! They took a picture of the gauge pressure at the start with a time stamp, and then a picture after 10 minutes with the end pressure and a time stamp. They then uploaded the pictures in their final report for visual proof.
THE PROBLEMS: (1) Remembering to check the gauge at exactly 10 minutes from the start time in order for the test to be valid; (2) No record or proof of any leakage between the 10-minute time period unless watching the gauge the entire test. (3) No physical document for proof of the test being properly performed, heavy reliance on cell phone pictures, times and word of technician – no data points.
Vaetrix Solution and Industry Impact
Problem (1) Remembering to check the gauge at exactly 10 minutes from the start time in order for the test to be valid.
SOLUTION → Timed Test mode stops the log for you at the end of the time frame specified. This keeps the test’s time frame valid and exact to the second.
Problem (2) No record or proof of any leakage between the 10-minute time period unless watching the gauge the entire test.
SOLUTION → Timed Test mode displays the leak rate on the screen in real time as well as at the end of the test to ensure there were no significant leak events missed.
Problem (3) No physical record for proof of the test being properly performed, heavy reliance on cell phone pictures, times and word of technician – no data points.
SOLUTION → Timed Test records the data points just like any other test log and can be extracted, printed or uploaded for documentation.
BONUS IMPACT: Timed Test logs/Screen can be easily uploaded into GPS and Scada Systems. The industry is beginning to require that pressure integrity tests tie directly into GPS tracking systems that monitor the safety/operating standards of that particular section of pipe. These programs store that pipe’s geographic location, integrity test records and distribution/consumption data. By pinpointing these pipes on the system’s grid, they can gather valuable information make informed decisions on how the grid distributes products safely and effectively.
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